PIANOS FOR PEOPLE
AT A GLANCE

Pianos for People inspires successful futures by providing free access to the transformational power of the piano. For families and individuals with limited resources, we break down financial barriers and leverage the piano as a gateway to empowerment, community and self-esteem.

In an environment of support, inclusiveness and equality, we do this four ways:

Inspiration: Free Pianos

Education: Free Lessons and Classes

Community: Free Special Events and Beginner Piano Camps

Enrichment: Free Specialty Workshops

HISTORY

2012

Tom and Jeanne Townsend founded the organization in honor of their son, Alex, a musician and artist, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 21.

2014

We opened our Free Piano School in South St. Louis in November 2014, and have since more than tripled our student body, providing access to quality lessons, classes, and workshops to more than 100 regular, weekly students.

2016

At our Ferguson Piano School, which opened October 2016, we also offer classes, lessons and workshops, to over 100 students, extending and deepening our reach in that community.

HIGHLIGHTS

Since December 2012, Pianos for People has sourced, serviced and delivered over 400 free pianos to people, non-profits and underfunded schools and families, who could not otherwise afford one. To date we have served over 10,000 people through this program.

In addition to music education, we stress personal growth and empowerment, including confidence building, self-discipline and a sense of pride. We promote this through our many Piano Plus and Piano Palooza workshops – as well as our recitals – in which we give students the chance to show off their hard work and talent to a supportive and encouraging audience.

We offer free summer piano camps each summer. Our Beginner Piano Camps introduce new students to the piano – many of whom go on to sign up for classes and private lessons the following school year. Our specialty camps, such as our Major Scales Bootcamp, provide our current students with the opportunity for a more in-depth study of a skill, concept, or musical history.

We are an integral part of the St. Louis piano ‘economy’ — we are a major and consistent employer of piano teachers; camp counsellors and interns; piano technicians and moving companies. We have rescued many pianos from landfills.

We offer many free community events throughout the year, such as our Piano Slams and the Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl. These are opportunities for us to bring the community together, as well as engage new potential students.

Success in significantly growing and diversifying our income streams demonstrates that our passion and commitment is backed by organizational and strategic strength.