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Keys for Kids is a charitable initiative established by Ben Folds in partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Foundation. Its purpose is to provide young people in North Carolina who express an interest in learning to play piano but have limited opportunity the access to appropriate lessons and instrument at little or no cost.
Ben credits early exposure to music as a child growing up in Winston-Salem, NC, as the impetus and inspiration for his own creative journey as a professional music artist.
Working in conjunction with the Arts Foundation and Arts Council, Keys for Kids will create a statewide network of arts partners providing free or affordable access to piano and keyboard education for school-age youth in North Carolina. As resources are available, partner sites will receive funding, keyboard donations, and access to branding materials to raise the visibility of their program.
Organizations that have a track record of providing free or subsidized arts education instruction for school-age youth will be considered to participate in the Keys for Kids network. Once selected, network organizations will receive support to be used specifically for instruction of piano and keyboard to low-wealth students who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

McDowell Arts Council Association is one of only seven nonprofits in North Carolina piloting this program. Our local partner, Nathan Shirley pianist, composer, and teacher has begun implementing the program in Old Fort and North Cove Elementary Schools.

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