ORLANDO – Thanks to a partnership with Steinway Society of Central Florida, nearly 30 students learned basic piano skills and how to play classical and jazz music over the course of a 10-week after-school piano program at five City of Orlando recreation sites. This week, several of the second through fifth-grade students showed off their new musical skills and tickled the ivories for their families and friends at a piano recital.
“Our neighborhood centers and our after-school programs offer children an array of amenities and programs that help them thrive,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Partnering with the Steinway Society Piano Program is another way the city is providing creative outlets outside the classroom for youth to explore and foster success through the arts by inspirational and supportive learning environments that enrich their lives.”
Through the Steinway program students improved not only musically, but academically. By analyzing both students’ report cards and parent surveys, the data showed that 100% of students either maintained or improved their academic performance, plus:
- 99% said their child performed better in school
- 99% said their child was more motivated to go to school
- 98% of parents said their child’s behavior improved at home
District 3 City Commissioner Robert F. Stuart and Steinway Society of Central Florida founders Gary and Kathy Grimes were also in the audience applauding the hard work of the students and their commitment to the arts.
“The arts are a vital part to students’ success,” said City Commissioner Robert F. Stuart. “We’ve seen such a commitment from the families and the students that it has had an impact on the students’ performance in school and at home. This program is a perfect example of how our city is committed to supporting our youth.”
In 2009, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Steinway Society of Central Florida partnered to provide free of charge piano lessons, instructors and equipment to Parramore Kidz Zone youth at both the Callahan and Smith Neighborhood Centers. In 2022, the program expanded to three additional sites, including Grand Avenue, Engelwood and College Park Neighborhood Centers.
