Background

The Instrumental Connection is an organization of Yale students who volunteer to give music lessons, both instrumental and voice, in the New Haven public schools. The organization was founded in January 1990 in response to the underfunding of music in the New Haven public schools; the cost of renting or buying instruments and of music lessons is regrettably too great for many New Haven families.

Lessons and Special Events

Teachers give lessons weekly, generally at the end of the school day. These lessons last anywhere from one half to one hour, depending on the stamina of students and on the afternoon schedules of the teachers, students and schools. Some schools are within walking distance and some are reached by van. Teachers travel to and from schools together. In addition to weekly lessons, the Instrumental Connection plans to hold special events like a Children’s Concert given by the Yale Bach Society or other musical groups at Yale, a side-by-side rehearsal with either the Yale Symphony Orchestra or the Yale Concert Band, and a recital in late April in which the students perform for their peers, teachers, and family members. The Instrumental Connection also solicits donations of money, music books, and instruments throughout the year.

A Few Thoughts on Volunteering

Teaching students how to play the tuba, recorder, or piano is only one part of the program. In order to be effective as teachers, we must establish a trusting relationship with the kids. Even if the students learn only three notes, the program will be a success if their interest in music is aroused. We are not trying to create little Beethovens, but rather to encourage kids to pursue music on any level they like. The value of our musical knowledge and, more fundamentally, of our attentiveness and friendship, to students is inestimable. Volunteers should bear in mind that many students in the public schools rarely receive the undivided attention of their teachers, and often come from neighborhoods that are comparatively dangerous and from families who constantly face challenges presented by poverty. Try to establish not a teacher-student relationship, but rather a friend-friend relationship in which one friend is also serving as a teacher.

On Teaching Music

Teaching your instrument (inclusive of voice, of course) gives you a chance to come to know a student well while contributing to arts education in New Haven. Most Instrumental Connection teachers have never taught lessons before coming to Yale; some have never formally studied an instrument. If you are an accomplished musician, we welcome you; if you just like to strum a guitar in the privacy of your own room, we welcome you too. Once again, remember: we are not trying to create young virtuosos. Our intention is to give kids the chance to make music with the encouragement of a caring teacher.

Last Remarks

Please remember that you are a role model for kids who often have few influences in their lives. By signing up for Instrumental Connection you have made a commitment to the group, to your student, and to your students' school teachers and family. Your student will expect you every week. If you do not show, you disappoint your students and put a strain upon school personnel and parents who are responsible for keeping the kids safe and occupied. If you absolutely cannot make it, you must call the school and the music teacher or students and try to find a replacement. Keep in mind that lessons, which may be a relatively small part of your life at Yale, mean a great deal to the students.