EBMF is expanding its community outreach efforts!
Our overarching goal has a dual purpose: 

1. Help fill musical needs, particularly in underserved areas
2. Connect talented young student musicians in our EBMF circle with rewarding volunteer opportunities where they can share their love of music. 

Recent milestones in community outreach
In 2023, we launched a pilot project with the organization Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN). Some of our student musicians participated in a Christmas concert with FCSN, following which several of our young musicians participated in a 10 week music tutoring program with FCSN students, called the 1:1 Music Program. Our students encountered the joy of teaching music, and the younger students enjoyed learning from their older musical mentors. In their feedback to us, EBMF students reported that they enjoyed the challenges of teaching, learned from the experience, and agree that the program is worth continuing. As one of our participants wrote:
 
"As someone who plays and adores classical music, I am endlessly grateful to FCSN and EBMF for starting the 1:1 Music Program. This program has given me the wonderful opportunity to share my passion with others and create so many precious memories. Music brings us all together.” - Katelyn

2024 was our second year organizing a concert for Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) in Fremont. The performers were students from our Chamber Music Festival and Piano Competition. We believe that concerts like this have intangible benefits for both the performers and their young audience. 

New in 2024 was presenting a concert to the Lincoln Explorers After-School Program in Oakland Chinatown. A harpsichord/violin duo from this year's Chamber Music Festival gave a talk about their instruments and performed for 45+ students. The audience was rapt and curious - they asked a lot of questions.

1:1 Music Program at FCSN.
We invite high school-aged musicians to teach music through FCSN's one-on-one beginner music program. Our musicians have taught piano and cello. FCSN has a definite need for piano teachers but is open to a broader category of instruments including guitar, vocals, percussion, and ukulele.   
 
What: Do one-on-one lessons for 10 weeks, 1/2 hour each
Where: FCSN, Fremont (New location in September 2024)
When: Enrollment is year round – the start date is flexible.  
 
Details: 
Student teachers will need to commit to 10 weeks. The student teacher will complete FCSN’s online tutorial about working with special needs children (2 hours in six modules), will undergo a brief interview and, if matched with a student, will do a trial lesson with the student. Parents are present at every lesson to assist, and lessons are overseen by the FCSN coordinator.  Student teachers are encouraged to consult with the parents on their child’s interest and their expectations. This is an incredibly enriching experience for both the student teacher and the student.

Interested? Questions? Contact Community Outreach Director Lisa Quan at [email protected].
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2024 Lunar Year Concert at Friends of Children with Special Needs in Fremont.