What is LMTA Music Outreach?

• The mission of the LMTA Music Outreach Program is to advance the educational development of students who are interested in music study, are musically talented or at risk, and who can prove financial need. The LMTA Music Outreach Program provides an opportunity for students to receive music instruction from independent LMTA music teachers at reduced rates and pays teachers a modest sum for teaching the recipients. These students would otherwise not have the opportunity to take lessons.  Because of special mentoring in the form of lessons, these students will eventually be able to serve the community by performing in service recitals and they are likely to be transformed into young active citizens.

How may a student qualify for the program?

• The student must be identified by a person in authority, such as a school music teacher, principal, guidance counselor or LMTA independent music teacher as being talented and interested in pursuing music lessons, is in an unusual circumstance or at risk whereby music lessons would be of great benefit and is financially needy. The identifying person would complete a talent profile and an application to also be signed by a parent or guardian.

How does the program work?

• An independent music teacher who is a Professional member of LMTA will teach one lesson a week, usually in a private studio. Partial scholarship are available to those who can document financial need.  

• Dietze Music House cooperates with the program by refurbishing donated instruments, delivering them free of charge to qualified recipients and donations of sheet music. CGSmusic repairs stringed instruments.  Harris Music Studio offers recital and meeting space, as well as computer lab time. Piano tuners may tune outreach pianos free or at reduced rates. Local colleges offer venue(s) for individual and/or group instruction.  Local colleges and universities encourage their pedagogy students to assist in the program. Advanced high school music students are given the opportunity to volunteer for scouts or honor points.  The committee continually seeks supporting companies, individuals, publishers and organizations to support and enhance the project. 

What are the requirements of remaining in the program?

• The student must attend all weekly lessons unless excused by the LMTA teacher.  Support of the parents is crucial.  The student will be accountable for logging daily practice time and striving to reach goals set by the teacher.  Acceptable conduct is required at all times.  After one year, the teacher will evaluate the student’s progress and determine if the s/he may stay in the program.  A recipient of a music outreach instrument who successfully stays in the program for three years will be awarded the instrument.

What lessons are available?

• Individual and group lessons may be available.  Much depends on the availability of teachers and instruments.

I want to make a tax-deductible contribution to the program!

• This program is funded in part by the Nebraska Arts Council, with matching grants from the Lincoln Arts Council, Lincoln Community Outreach Foundation, Cooper Foundation, Lincoln Community Foundation, MTNA, the Wiebe Foundation and Delta Omicron.  However, we need additional funding to serve additional students.  Please consider sponsoring a student.