A Pilot Program in Greater Richmond
Background
Play4RVA was born from a simple but powerful idea: that every child deserves the chance to experience the joy and opportunity that music can bring. Local philanthropist and musician Elizabeth King gathered a group of community leaders and passionate neighbors to explore how an El Sistema-inspired program could take root in Richmond. After two years of dreaming, planning, and a successful 2024 feasibility study, Play4RVA is partnering with Soundscapes to bring the new music education opportunities to students in Greater Richmond.
Soundscapes is a nonprofit organization based on the Virginia Peninsula dedicated to transforming the lives of youth through the power of music education. By providing accessible and inclusive music programs, Soundscapes helps students develop essential life skills, succeed academically, and become engaged, confident citizens.
Founded in 2009 and initially starting with a small after-school program, the organization has since grown to serve hundreds of students each year through programs designed to engage youth from elementary school through early adulthood.
Today Soundscapes plays a vital role in students’ lives by offering daily after-school programs, community ensembles, summer camps, and many performance opportunities.
Planned Pilot
For the initial pilot program, Soundscapes is partnering with Beulah Recreation Center to provide free after-school music education for 25 students from nearby Title I elementary schools.
From January 12 through May 27, participants will attend classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Students will learn the fundamentals of music—rhythm, note reading, and ensemble playing—through engaging, hands-on instruction using bucket drums, recorders, keyboards, and electronic drum pads.
The entire program, including instruction and instruments, will be offered at no cost to families. To ensure students are ready to learn and thrive, each session will begin with a snack.
In summary, this free after-school program will provide:
🎻 Music instruction for 3 days per week
🎶 Instruments and supplies
🥪 After-school snacks
🧑 Caring mentors
🏡️ A safe place during after-school hours
Expected Impact
Soundscapes brings over a decade of proven impact to this work. Ten years of data show that as students develop their musical abilities, they also build essential life skills at the same pace. That means as their musical skills grow, the soft skills they need to be successful in the classroom and the workplace grow, too.
Participants and the community can expect:
✔ Increased engagement in school
✔ Improved social-emotional health
✔ Fewer risky behaviors
✔ Prepared for long-term success
