Our Mission: EMPOWER
Since 2004, KEYS has partnered with Bridgeport CT schools to provide one-to-one music instrument lessons to help children thrive through difficult times, build resilience, and grow up more successfully.
Our Highlights of 2021
The Covid crisis and resulting impact on schools and our KEYS students were events that none of us could have predicted. In April 2021, after a year of remote learning, only about 12,000 Bridgeport Public School students returned to in-school learning out of a population of nearly 20,000.
spring
We taught 85% of our music lessons virtually, with in-person lessons in only 6 Bridgeport schools due to Covid safety concerns. Our teachers continued to create opportunities to play together.
summer
After 18 months of no in-person group programs, a three week in-person summer music camp was held filled with fun, laughter, and of course, lots and lots of music!
Fall
Students returned to schools, and KEYS returned to classrooms across Bridgeport! We restarted and expanded programs in schools where principals were eager to provide this enrichment opportunity.
Our Model
The KEYS model provides a system of support that students can rely on including:
one-to-one attention from our teaching faculty
opportunities to make social connections with peers
a safe environment where they can grow and learn in ways beyond improved musical skills
In a 2021 survey of our KEYS parents,
More Impact at a Glance:
Why is the KEYS mission focused on Bridgeport?
Very simply - the district’s schools are underfunded, and family financial resources are limited
We all know that music education matters. But not all students have the same access to a high-quality music education, especially in Bridgeport.
This is where KEYS bridges the gap
For 18 years, KEYS has been providing one-to-one instrument lessons and free instruments in the under-resourced Bridgeport community.
KEYS makes a difference by…
KEYS is making sure that those students with the least access, have experiences and opportunities through learning, performing, and creating music, to acquire as many intellectual, emotional, and social skills as possible.
KEYS Founder, Rob Silvan
I founded KEYS with a goal to give every student who wants to learn music, the opportunity to do that. Not only because music brings joy, but also because it’s proven to help students succeed.
Students involved with the arts succeed*
“We see these national findings reflected in our KEYS students, as 100% of our KEYS Seniors graduate from high school and continue on to college or career choices.”
-Rob Silvan
Whether our KEYS students continue their study of music after high school or not, the exposure to music through the KEYS program positions them for success in their future endeavors.
Meet Audie
A Current KEYS Intern and a 2019 Inductee into the KEYS Student Hall of Fame.
Watch video and see why Music Matters!
We know that music makes a difference in the lives of our young people in Bridgeport.
Thank you for being part of our community! This year has shown us that we are at our best when we show up, care for, and support each other. We appreciate how you - our donors, teachers, families, and everyone involved - showed up with your financial support, your care, your time, and your energy.
Together, we Make Music Possible for our students.
Learn about more ways you can get involved.
Music Matters.
