Benefit raises money for music lessons

What if anybody could take music lessons, despite his or her financial difficulties?

The people at the Artistry of Music Scholarship Foundation are committed to making this dream come true for students who meet certain financial guidelines. The foundation has organized a concert at 8 p.m. Friday to raise money for this purpose..

The Artistry in Music scholarship fund was established to assure those in need the opportunity to study music, and that those with exceptional talent will be given every opportunity to continue their studies.

The foundation was incorporated in May 2000 as a nonprofit organization. In November 1999, six volunteers met to develop a program to meet the needs of the Northwest suburban area.

The foundation's purpose is to raise tuition funds for students whose financial resources are limited. It offers music scholarships to elementary and high school students based on a financial aid application which is available from the foundation.

Financial aid is awarded for a weekly lesson for a period of three months and is available to people in the suburbs of Elgin, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Roselle, Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Itasca and Streamwood.

The foundation tries to assure that those in need will not be denied the opportunity to study music and that those with exceptional talent will be given every opportunity to continue their studies.

Currently, the lessons are taught by degreed teachers at the Schaumburg Academy of Music, 1140 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. More help is needed to ensure that more students can pursue their musical dream.

Help make these students' dreams come true by attending a benefit concert for The Artistry in Music Foundation at 8 p.m. Friday at Cutting Hall, 150 W. Wood St. in Palatine.

The participants in the concert are all volunteers who will be offering a night of classical music. During intermission, there will be a string quartet playing Joplin, and snacks and beverages available for purchase.

All proceeds from the concert will go directly to the Artistry in Music Foundation for the benefit of those students needing financial aid.

In addition to the orchestra, there also will be solo numbers featuring teachers and very advanced students.

The orchestra will be conducted by Joseph Malmquist, currently the director of the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra, The Conant High School Orchestra and a member of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The concert includes works of Vivaldi, Bach and other composers.

Tickets are $15 for students and $25 for adults. To purchase tickets, call Lisa at (224) 62-5005 or e-mail lmgstrings@comcast.net. She also can give you information in how to participate in the program booklet. Tickets also will be available at the door.