Helping others discover self-confidence through music lessons
Gifts of Music NW
Gifts of Music Program
I believe music has the power to heal, connect and let us tap into a deep source of wisdom about life. So in addition to teaching lessons, I bring music to juvenile detention centers, senior centers, hospitals and classrooms. To garner more support for these activities I am working to start a non-profit called "Gifts of Music". Please read on to learn more! ​
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Mission: To enhance joy and self-confidence through accessible music education and performance opportunities.
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Vision: Create and deliver a unique music instruction program that improves self-confidence. Provide excellent music education to the community, and make music education and performance opportunities more accessible to those with mental, financial, and physical limitations, including at-risk youth, seniors, and people with disabilities and mental health issues. Refine the program through the measurement of outcomes over time.
Values:
Honor participation and effort above skill or mastery
Honor refusal to participate
Anyone can learn (“I can’t do that” should be replaced with “I can’t do that yet”)
Anyone can teach (Students have great ideas on how to deliver instruction, honor them)
Good teaching connects learning to student interests
Find the sweet spot, just outside the comfort zone
Objectives:
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Provide music experiences designed to support engagement, creativity, and collaboration with a low barrier to entry
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Show an increase in self-confidence through measurement: Areas of self-confidence include improved self-awareness, increased interpersonal skills, greater intellectual flexibility, increased capacity for creative problem-solving, and increased motivation
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Give students an appreciation of music that they can take with them for the rest of their lives
If you are interested in joining the board, or volunteering in anyway, please send me an email at Bo.Bestvina@gmail.com
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Board Member Responsibilities
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Create bylaws that ensure the organization stays true to its mission
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Attend strategic planning meetings (1-3 per year)
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Help with fundraising
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Determine the salary of the Executive Director
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Evaluate the financial stability of the organization
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Propose new ideas to help the organization grow and serve
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Music recordings from
a Juvenile Detention Center
I volunteer to teach music lessons and facilitate drum circles at the Whatcom County Juvenile Detention Center. Positive Feedback from students and officers has demonstrated the impact music education can have on youth who face significant life challenges. In March I recieved a $4,200 grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation to buy more instruments for the facility and to expand the scope of the program.
Live Performances at Elementary Schools
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I perform original music in elementary schools, about important topics for kids, such as belonging, dealing with anger, and accepting mistakes.
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I am looking to do more work to share the incredible gift of music with people struggling with mental health challenges, addiction and inability to afford high quality music lessons. If you work for a non-profit in the Bellingham area, and are interested in working together, drop me an email.
“Thanks for coming yesterday. It was wonderful to have you and the students were engaged. Your music and SEL (social-emotional instruction) linked to it made an impact. Thank you so much.”
Jeanette Perry, Music Teacher, Everson Elementary
