OUR WORK

Our Mission

Helping students overcome barriers to music education by connecting them with quality, affordable music education resources.

Our Vision

Accessible music education for all.

Through The Staff is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the United States. We aim to connect 2nd-12th grade students with volunteer university musicians from around the country. Through free virtual private lessons and essential music education materials, we strive to make music more accessible to any student who wants to learn. In this process we are breaking down barriers, and making musical journeys possible for any student, no matter their geographic or financial lack of access.

Our Programs

Private Lessons

Weekly one-on-one meetings with a college or conservatory musician that will jump-start motivation and progress

  • Private instruction is key to a student’s musical journey. Our volunteer teachers are highly skilled and patient mentors; lessons with them are a chance for students to experience highly individualized instruction to stay motivated, keep up with peers, or stay challenged outside of music class. Because TTS lessons are online, our students can access lessons no matter where they live.

    The average cost of private lessons can cost anywhere from $100 or $400 per month depending on your location, which is out of reach for countless families. At TTS, we help families overcome this financial barrier with completely FREE enrollment thanks to our volunteers and donors.

    For more information visit our FAQs.

Recitals

Opportunities to share progress with peers in a safe and supportive environment

  • Recitals are an opportunity for students to set a concrete goal and share their successes with other TTS students. It’s a time for students to inspire others and be inspired, to get real-time encouragement from other musicians, and to experience a sense of accomplishment.

    Enrolled TTS students are given several opportunities to perform throughout the semester. Recitals are online, so students can perform for an audience from the comfort of their own home. These events are closed to the public; this way students know they are performing for a crowd of familiar faces, free of judgement.

Education Fund

Financial assistance for essential music education materials to get the most out of lessons

  • The cost of proper equipment can pile up just as fast as the cost of lessons, creating another financial barrier to music education. There are countless hidden costs such as music stands, sheet music, repairs, composition software, recording equipment, reeds, cleaning equipment…

    We help cover these hidden costs with our Education Fund by shipping high quality items directly to students or reimbursing purchases.

    If you would like to make a financial contribution to the Education Fund, visit throughthestaff.org/donate.

Our Impact

12,000+ lessons provided

350+ students served

400+ teachers involved

Students in 32 states

$500,000+ of family music expenses saved

$4,000+ of music education supplies provided

… and growing!

  • Anne Carlson, TTS Student

    “I was stuck and didn’t know what to do next. I would’ve never gotten lessons if TTS didn’t exist. The lessons have helped me get over my anxiety and improve. I have more confidence, and my teachers have helped guide and teach me so much.”

  • Arturo Zamora, TTS Student

    “I became a better musician with the help of the TTS Staff. I could never thank the organization enough for the help that was given throughout the summer and fall courses. Definitely recommend the experience for other new students.”

  • TTS Parent

    “Through the Staff is amazing because their talented staff freely share their love of music! We thought music lessons were not within our reach financially but this wonderful program allowed my son to have exceptional quality music lessons from student musicians in top music programs nationwide!”

  • Morgan Ulruch, TTS Teacher

    “TTS was a perfect opportunity for me to learn to teach and discover that I love it. My students are. highly engaged and overachievers on their instruments. We would be doing the world a disservice if we did not develop their talent through lessons.”

  • Lan Ihsan, TTS Student

    “TTS has helped me grow tremendously as a musician. I get to not only experience my own growth, but I have the opportunity to celebrate the growth of all other musicians through recitals and events… I could not have grown as much as I did in TTS without TTS. “

  • Mackenzie Rogers, TTS Teacher

    “I have loved sharing my passion with students who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to take lessons. Music is for EVERYONE, and being able to provide lessons to a promising young student who loved what he was doing was such a rewarding experience. Giving back in this way has helped me grow not only as a teacher, but as a person.

Support Us

  • Volunteer to Teach

    Impact the future of classical music on your own schedule. Our teachers only need to work with 1 student weekly. Visit our Apply page for more information.

  • Donate

    Directly impact the future of classical music by giving a tax-deductible donation today.

  • Volunteer Behind the Scenes

    TTS relies on a remote staff of volunteers to operate. Learn more about where help is needed and how to apply here!

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