DU Alum Kicks Off Play It Forward: A New Way to Take Music Lessons
by Tim Wenger
In the ever-changing world of music, it often takes progressive thinking to bring a new concept to fruition. In New York, a former Coloradoan is doing just that. University of Denver alum Michael Beck is launching a unique platform in Brooklyn to help people who have always wanted to take music lessons, but have not been able to afford it or have not had the motivation, actually be able to do so. The project, called Play It Forward, is actually a rather simple concept- donation-based music lessons. Pay what you can, get out of it what you can.
CMB: Give us the details on the project and how the idea is coming to fruition.
MB: Play It Forward is a Brooklyn non-profit that will offer donation-based music lessons to beginners and underprivileged families. The company will offer teachers, instruments and a place to play for students throughout Brooklyn.
We are currently raising money with a Kickstarter campaign that runs through December 12th. We have already raised 1/3 of our funding goal by offering some really cool rewards to our supporters. We are beginning to look at spaces throughout Brooklyn and are trying to find the right fit for our school which will open next summer.
CMB: What instruments will be taught?
MB: As of now, we are focusing on piano, guitar, bass, drums, vocal, and composition lessons. We hope to add even more instruments once the project gets underway. Some of the money we raise will be used for student’s instruments. So the more money we raise, the more instruments we will have to offer.
CMB: Are the lessons individual or group style?
MB: For our first month, we will be offering both private and group lessons. We hope that this will inspire beginners, families, and couples to try something new by making the process simple and fun. As we continue on, we will adjust our lesson types to what is in demand.
CMB: What level of lessons will be offered?
MB: Because we are trying to inspire newcomers to music, we will be offering beginner to intermediate lessons.
CMB: Where can I learn more about the project?
MB: You can check out our website at www.playitfwd.org where there is a FAQ section, faculty page and our mission statement. Our kickstarter page can be seen here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook to receive updates and news.
CMB: Who are the instructors?
MB: Our faculty is comprised of some of the best teachers in NYC. These musicians are in high demand and we’re very fortunate to have them on board. Fellow DU grads, Alaina Ferris and Reggie Berg will be teaching voice and piano, respectively. Also Colorado native, Tyler Gilmore (9th and Lincoln Orchestra), will teach composition and piano. You can check out the rest of our faculty page here.
CMB: What else should I know about the project?
MB: Like all projects on KIckstarter, donations are tax-deductible. However, if the funding goal is not reached, donor’s get their money back and the project is cancelled. So please take a look at our page and consider supporting our cause!
Online: playitfwd.org
Category: Buzzworthy2
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