THE PIANO AS A GATEWAY – OUR IMPACT
Measuring and evaluating the social impact of Pianos for People is an important part of our work. We are constantly looking for better ways to collect data that accurately assesses our approach, informs the best possible outcomes, and ensures that we’re achieving our mission. We conduct both qualitative and quantitative research and maintain a registration database that allows us to track demographics, attendance at lessons, events, etc.
While our program’s mission and vision are backed by an abundance of research that continually proves the positive impact on musical education on families and communities, we feel that it is still important to measure and evaluate the extent to which it is impacting our community directly.
FOCUS GROUP KEY FINDINGS – WHAT OUR FAMILIES ARE SAYING
LOVE OF THE PROGRAM
SENSE OF COMMUNITY
QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION
MORE THAN MUSIC EDUCATION
STORIES OF IMPACT
Royce Martin is a composer, recording artist and award-winning pianist. He received his first piano from PFP in February of 2016 and soon began his first formal training with us. He had previously taught himself to play on a small keyboard on his lap. His exceptional natural talent was quickly revealed, and in 2016, Royce won the St. Louis Teen Talent Award. With the mentorship and coaching of Co-Founder Pat Eastman and generous support of Pianos for People donors, Royce attended the prestigious Indiana University summer piano camp in July 2017, winning “Most Improved Player.” He went on to graduate from the Berklee College of Music in Boston – one of the world’s most prestigious musical institutions.
Royce has now released an album entitled “Memories on Morgan Street”, taking Scott Joplin’s rags and putting his own touch on them. The result is a new sound that Royce has dubbed “swagtime,” which is ragtime infused with jazz and hip-hop. He has performed at several high-profile events including a performance for the Mayor of St. Louis, at Powell Hall, and at the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, MO. His prodigious talent and extraordinary dedication have been featured in numerous articles and TV stories including national attention on NBC SUNDAY TODAY.
Nicholas Murphy started to teach himself to play the piano watching YouTube videos at the St. Louis library when he came to the attention of someone who directed him to Pianos for People. Nicholas dropped into one of our Piano Slams two years ago, and immediately made an impression. The very next week, he started two lessons a week. PFP Board member, James Butler agreed to mentor him, and with his help Nicholas was able to participate in an international student exchange in Japan through the AFS – his first trip out of St. Louis. That trip gave him the confidence to pursue a summer music program at Carnegie Mellon University in 2018, and PFP helped him to secure the scholarship funds.
In May 2019 – Nicholas Murphy was offered a full, four-year scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University, where he will pursue International Affairs and a Music Minor.
Doss and several of their siblings participate in Pianos for People lessons, workshops and camps, as well as our community events. Their interest level shows no bounds ― they continually strive for improvement and constantly seek enriching opportunities. Doss has also gained valuable work experience as a paid intern with Pianos for People, both in administration and as a mentor to the younger children at camps and lessons. Through Pianos for People, they were connected with Job Corps and received a High School Equivalency Diploma and job training. The family also received a free piano, which quickly became the centerpiece of the home.
DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE POPULATION WE SERVE
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MORE PER ANNUM
through our free special events, enrichment activities and summer camp programs.
PIANOS PER YEAR
to people of all ages, and underserved schools. Since December 2012 in our various programs, we have served over 10,000 people.