Our Mission:
Music.
240 Strings mentors and empowers young learners through free classical music education, concerts, and community.
World class musicians, heartfelt instruction:
Co-founded in 2016 by the internationally acclaimed musicians of the Portland Piano Trio, 240 Strings is the only organization in Portland, ME to provide 100% FREE private classical music education to students unable to afford instruction.
“If the day starts with violin, you know it’s going to be a GREAT day!”
Our Partners: Our partners are as varied as our students! They are parents, public school teachers and principals, local businesses (such as Coffee By Design, above!) and generous private foundations and trusts. Without community involvement, we would not succeed!
52%
52% of Portland's elementary school kids qualify for free or reduced lunch.
630
30 minute music lessons each year
240 Strings provides 30 weeks of private and group instruction throughout the school year.
100+
point increase on SAT
The College Entrance Examination Board found that students in music scored over 100 points higher than students with no music participation. -College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers. Princeton, NJ: The College entrance Examination Board
“(The kids) are all destined for great things if people have their backs. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll pitch in where I can.”
Our Program:
Our model is based on the foundations of chamber music. We form student trios (one piano, one violin and one cello = 240 Strings!) for group class, which means the teacher/student ratio is extremely small. They learn about working as a team, listening and communicating, and encouraging each other through the rough spots. As a trio, they develop the grit necessary to perform in a music group, as well as the musical skills required.
Students and their families join an exciting, involved musical community, led by the professional musicians of the Portland Piano Trio. With free access to performances around the region and individualized programming and instruction, 240 Strings is thriving.
Our free community concert season has grown to four concerts per year! Concerts are aired on Maine Public Classical’s “Maine Stage” series with Joe Boucher.
“...most of (the students) were on hand on Monday to give enthusiastic performances of a couple of short ensemble pieces, and revel in an audience’s applause. They clearly enjoyed showing off their budding talents, which is as it should be.”
