PIANOS FOR PEOPLE
AT A GLANCE

Pianos for People is committed to breaking down the financial and logistical barriers that prevent underserved communities from accessing the many and well-documented benefits of musical study through the piano. We provide free pianos, lessons, summer camps and community events, at no cost to those we serve.

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 and workshops to more than 140 regular, weekly students.
2016
At our Ferguson Studio, which opened October 2016, we offer three days of classes, lessons and workshops, extending and deepening our reach in that community.

HIGHLIGHTS

Since December 2012, Pianos for People has sourced, serviced and delivered over 230 free pianos to people, non-profits and underfunded schools and families, who could not otherwise afford one. To date we have served over 7,000 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.

Our free summer music camps run for six weeks over the summer, offering a quality program for more than 150 youth during those critical out-of-school hours.

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.

Super Theory Saturdays, Piano Slams, Recitals and the PFP Music Festival are just a few of the free community events we offer throughout the year. 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.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE POPULATION WE SERVE

%

of our students are African-American, 14% Hispanic or Latino and the remainder represent a variety of backgrounds

%

of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch

%

have household income less than $25,000 and the remainder has an income between $25,000 – $34,000

%

are girls

%

are boys

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2017 ST. LOUIS ARTS AWARDS ARTS INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
from the Arts & Education council of Greater St. Louis

National coverage by
PEOPLE.COM AND NBC SUNDAY TODAY

LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
for marketing outreach

MONSANTO “GROW ST. LOUIS”
winner