Lynn University

This year, Lynn University’s Conservatory of Music launched a new music partnership program to help motivated children who can’t afford private music lessons in Palm Beach County. Select graduate and post-graduate students in Lynn’s conservatory are dedicating their time and talents to these students by providing private and/or group instruction each week.

Currently, program partners include the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County (YOPBC) for string selection coaching, and two Palm Beach County schools – UB Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School of the Arts (grades K-5) for lessons in strings and beginning band, and Don Estridge High Tech Middle School (grades 6-8) for lessons in woodwinds, brass and percussion.

“The partnership is Dean Jon Robertson’s brainchild,” said Manuel Capote, an administrative assistant in the Conservatory of Music. “It’s modeled after a similar program he created at UCLA.” According to Capote, there are approximately 20 Lynn conservatory students involved to date.

In order to receive the free lessons, students must:

• not currently be studying privately with another teacher
• be in a socio-economic situation that prevents them from affording and/or accessing traditional private instruction and/or outside programs
• possess at least a “B” average
• be highly motivated, talented and exhibit a positive and enthusiastic attitude with a healthy work ethic

Services provided by Conservatory students include:

• private and/or group lessons during or after school hours
• coaching for chamber music/chamber groups
• sectional rehearsals for the youth orchestra(s)
• audition preparation classes
• instruction in ‘technique’ as well as in ‘basic musicianship skills’