Music Opens Doors

by Tracy Li

In 2014, I wanted to enrich the education of my daughters, Amy (7 years old) and Audrey (4 years old), through music. However, as a recent higher education graduate, I was unable to afford high-quality lessons at other local schools. When I discovered The Music Settlement (TMS), I found a solution: exceptional piano instruction for my daughters, made possible through the financial aid program at TMS. After one year of lessons, Amy and Audrey auditioned for a merit scholarship and have been receiving scholarships since 2015. Thanks to this support, I have been able to provide both girls with an outstanding music education.

But their experience at TMS went beyond just lessons. My daughters and I received free tickets to the Cleveland Orchestra, and their instructor, Ms. Dina, encouraged them to attend many cultural events. The girls were also prepared to audition and perform, and they had the opportunity to volunteer and assist other families interested in TMS programs. Through these experiences, Amy and Audrey didn’t just learn music—they developed a deep love for it and became part of a vibrant, welcoming musical community.

Additionally, the lessons, recitals, and volunteer opportunities provided at TMS helped my girls develop an exceptional work ethic, a commitment to high academic standards, and a pursuit of excellence in all their endeavors. Both are now scholarship recipients in high school and have played in their school’s jazz band and pit orchestra.

The transformative impact of The Music Settlement’s generous financial aid and merit-based scholarships on my two daughters has been profound. The Music Settlement’s financial aid and merit-based scholarships, combined with the rich musical education and community activities offered, have not only opened doors for my two daughters’ musical journeys but have also fostered their intellectual and personal growth, which has supported them to challenge themselves outside the comfort zone and to set high standards for themselves and work diligently to meet them.

Share Your Music Story

We all need stories that move us. To help others recall their own stories and inspire them to share those stories. We need stories to invite others into our community of people transformed by the power of music. What is your music story? How has music changed you?

Share Your Music Story