Make Programming Sing

Be flexible and roll with the punches

By Arthur Kane

The Music Settlement (formerly known as The Cleveland Music School Settlement) was founded in 1912 by Almeda Adams—a musician who, despite being blind, did not let her disability deter her from bringing quality music education to the community. She encouraged students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to connect through music, regardless of their ability to pay. She remains the inspiration in fulfilling our goals of supporting music education, diversity, and community.

Photo: Courtesy Of Arthur Kane

I have taught at The Music Settlement (TMS) for more than 48 years, and have been head of the Piano Department for more than 30 years. I have been directing and teaching the Piano Camps since founding the program in 2000. Each year, there is a different theme for the camp—such as music from a particular country, musical period, or style of music. In 2021, the theme was “America, the Beautiful,” which highlighted music written by American composers from Colonial times to the present.

Examples of past themes include:

• Women in music

• Postcards from France

• Postcards from Russia

• Salute to America

• Melodies and rhythms of Spain.

Here is a look at the schedule for this two-week day camp (held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.):

• Music history and listening

• Practice time

• Ensemble rehearsal time

• Private and partnered lessons

• Music theory

• Break time

• Physical activity.

Lemonade From Lemons

In 2020, we were confronted with the possibility that the piano camp would have to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we offered an online “virtual camp” instead. This turned out to be very successful, and even attracted students from outside the geographic area who normally would not have been able to come to a daily, in-person camp. The schedule was adjusted to a full-day one-week camp.

The experience led to more ideas on how to use virtual learning to expand outreach to students. Some of these include virtual classes and music lessons for adults (i.e., virtual lessons, recitals, and master classes), virtual lessons and recitals in other areas, and even other countries. One student—while visiting relatives in Edinburgh, Scotland—was able to continue his piano lessons via Zoom. Two students who have family members in Italy were able to present a recital as a Christmas present for the entire family.

We are looking forward to more camps, more learning, more recitals, and classes—both virtual and in-person. For those who are looking to expand programming—be willing to be flexible, to roll with the punches, and to adapt to the changing needs of the community. You never know what opportunities you’ll uncover.

Arthur Kane, B.M., M.M./M.M., is Head of the Piano Department and Piano Camp Director at The Music Settlement in Cleveland, Ohio. Reach him at akane@themusicsettlement.org.