Music classes are an essential part of education, providing an important outlet for creativity and expression, teaching the history and importance of music, and even supporting brain development and health. But not everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy these benefits. Barriers such costs, logistics and time commitment often prevent participation despite interest. For DPL, the goal of hosting music classes is to ensure that people of all ages can nurture an appreciation of music with free access to all.

Funding from the grant allowed DPL to grow our weekly classes in music theory, strings, and keyboards to include choral music. Smith continues teaching, along with two new teachers. Students in the program can check out instruments as they would a library book, they receive a curriculum book to keep, and beginners along with more advanced musicians receive instruction at their level. The program expanded to two DPL branches, and seasonal recitals were held, allowing family and friends to celebrate students’ achievements.

Starting Spring 2022, classes were taught at three DPL locations. In total, 77 classes were taught to more than 400 students. Beyond statistics are the intangible results. Teachers from both public and private schools bring their students to our classes. Advanced students are helping teach beginner students. Students come for one class and stay for every class offered. This doesn’t reflect stated goals of the program. It reflects the real community hunger for knowledge that the Dallas Public Library is proud to provide.