Musiclink Program

What is MusicLink?

MusicLink is a national program whose purpose is to begin active communication between school music teachers and independent music teachers to benefit the musical education of our students. MusicLink is a two-pronged program. LessonLink is a scholarship program providing lessons for students who show potential talent and are in financial need. Studylink is an independent study program that offers academic credit for private instruction for secondary level students who are committed to advanced music study.

How does it work?

LessonLink independent music teachers offer to teach students who are identified by school music teachers as showing interest and promise in music, but could not normally afford private instruction because of financial need. Each teacher agrees to teach one student for partial to full scholarship, depending on the scholarship level set by the school office.

The program targets students who are on free or reduced lunch, but also accepts promising students who show need of financial assistance. Local or state organizations fund music expenses for some students, and organizational activity fees are waived for LessonLink students. The school provides band and string instruments, and provides a practice space when needed for piano students.

Once lessons are well established, local chapters seek donations of instruments, pianos and keyboards for student use. Ongoing communication concerning student progress is established between the independent teacher and the nominating school teacher through annual student evaluation reports and mutual support for performance opportunities for the student in the school and the community.

StudyLink provides an organizational framework for independent study that links private instruction to the school music program or academic area of a student's interest. The program offers forms to assist secondary students in organizing an independent study that provides academic credit for private instruction based on performance or interdisciplinary study linking music with an academic area. Students do not need to be in financial need to be eligible for the program. MTNA competitions and auditions can serve as assessment opportunities for the study. The program adapts to the needs of individual schools, districts, and state requirements for academic credit.