Strings for Schools

Gift of Music Instrument Donation Program

Provide the Gift of Music and put musical instruments back to work for the next generation

To donate instruments, funds or other assistance, please click on the link below for a list of drop-off locations or call the Gift of Music program coordinator, Musicopia, at 215-829-9522. Even instruments in need of repair are accepted. Every instrument is inspected, and refurbished if worth the cost.

Music in our schools is a sure way to create positive, productive learning experiences. Many schools in Philadelphia and surrounding areas are working hard to restore and improve instrumental music programs that have fallen by the wayside. Teachers are being placed where needed, and a growing awareness of the value of music in the schools is spurring change for the better.

But an essential component is still sadly under-funded, and threatens to derail the significant progress that has been made to provide the gift of music to our community’s youth. Support the “Gift of Music” and you WILL make a remarkable difference in our children’s futures:

Yes, the teachers are there – the facilities are available – the willingness and interest is strong to integrate bands, orchestras and ensembles back into the schools that have lacked them for years. But the instruments often are not available! And many of the “lucky” schools with a struggling music program have instruments that are in unacceptably poor condition due to age, wear, and tear. In many situations, instruments must be shared by multiple students.

There’s a better way to inspire our children. Maybe you had the privilege of a school music program in your past. You probably took it for granted. You and your neighbors can perform a real miracle by donating that unused sax left from your high school days, or the trombone, violin or clarinet left to an estate. Is your own child moving up to a better instrument? Consider donating the old one to the Gift of Music initiative. Together, the communities in our area can help complete the big picture by donating idle instruments to supply dozens of planned student musical groups.

Whether a child pursues music later in life or not, the lasting benefits are immeasurable. It is so much more than just an activity to keep kids occupied.