Provide 50 Instruments for Under-Served Children

Since March, Can’d Aid has been busy implementing adapted programs so that we can continue to fulfill our mission despite the challenges related to the COVID pandemic. By following CDC recommendations, adhering to evolving guidelines and restrictions, and reworking areas of our signature programming, Can’d Aid has continued to serve communities in need.

Significant modifications needed to be made to our existing TUNES program in order to support music programs in need. With schools abruptly out of session and in-person assemblies out of the question, Can’d Aid focused our efforts on partnering with multiple organizations dedicated to providing low-cost or free music education to financially disadvantaged youth. Over 25 instruments were donated to the varying organizations as well as directly to the children to take home. Small groups of students then participated in a series of five virtual, personalized music lessons with one of our TUNES Ambassadors using their brand new instruments.

Five brand new keyboards and stands were donated to five children on the waitlist for private lessons at Central Music Academy in Lexington, KY. These students’ first introduction to keyboard came from a series of five lessons with Abby Bryant, lead keyboardist/vocalist of TUNES Ambassador Downtown Abby & the Echoes. All five students are now enrolled in ongoing private lessons with Central Music Academy.

TUNES Ambassador George Guthrie of The Wooks, hosted a series of five group banjo lessons via Zoom for 7 students with Music Education and Performing Artists Association (MEPAA) in Eugene, OR. Can’d Aid donated 7 banjos and 2 stand up basses for children who receive scholarships for lessons.

“The fact that the lessons took place at all during the wildfire crisis they are dealing with is incredible, but amazingly the kids showed up each day ready and eager to play and learn. It was incredibly humbling and inspiring to see. I would love to work with you guys again should the opportunity arise, and I greatly look forward to representing Can’d Aid with the Wooks! Thanks so much! “
-George Guthrie of the Wooks

Bevin Foley, of Trout Steak Revival has finished up her first series of violin lessons with students at Central Music Academy, and is gearing up to launch a second set of lessons with the same group of children. Can’d Aid donated 11 violins to CMA, seven of which were given directly to each participating child.

With many musicians struggling to navigate an abruptly-altered industry - Can'd Aid offered participating TUNES Ambassadors a $1,500 stipend for each series of five lessons in order to support them during this challenging time.

Thank you to our donors for continuing to support our efforts as we navigate this new landscape!