Our Impact
MusicWorks is an El Sistema-inspired artistic and social program in the greater Asheville area that uses music education as a tool to teach life skills. In addition to musical instruction, the program provides after-school care on a sliding scale tuition including healthy snacks, free play, and academic enrichment.
Beginning with 40 students at Hall Fletcher Elementary in the 2014-15 school year, MusicWorks expanded to serve nearly 90 students from three different elementary schools in Asheville by 2020. In 2021 MusicWorks created their new site at Leicester Elementary School, where they currently serves 50 students.
Making a Difference
“MusicWorks has had such a positive impact on my family. Sierra has just begun her 4th year in the program and is excelling both with her musical abilities and also with her schoolwork, which I do not find to be a coincidence.”
Brea Mother of Sierra and Oliver
225+
CHILDREN SERVED
Since MusicWorks began in 2014, more than 225 students have participated: Learning life skills, inspiring creativity, developing personal responsibility, building self esteem and promoting teamwork.
83%
STUDENTS READING AT OR ABOVE GRADE LEVEL
Students participating in MW consistently score higher than their peers in reading. Students with academic success go on to bright futures and build strong communities
“A bonus of the program is the sense of community that is felt. We have become like a family at pickup, and often it is nearly impossible to get the kids to leave, even though they have spent the previous 3 hours together.”