This month the Little Masters Project (LMP) at the University of Delaware is opening its program to the public by accepting up to 10 new students.

The LMP offers free weekly private lessons and musical instruments to selected underserved students in the greater Wilmington area whose families face financial challenges that make it difficult for them to afford weekly private lessons. The program culminates in public performances.

Founded and directed by the Delaware Governor’s Award recipient and UD violin professor Xiang Gao, LMP is being offered through the support of the Master Players Concert Series at the University of Delaware, the Master Players Advisory Council and independent donors of Master Players. The goal of LMP is to enrich students’ lives by improving their musical abilities, which will in turn improve their self-esteem, concentration and appreciation for beauty and the arts, while also positively affecting their classroom performance.

LMP recently completed its pilot program at Bayard Middle School in Wilmington, Delaware. Since September 2017, selected Bayard students received free lessons and instruments that they are now allowed to keep. These students showcased their talents and progress by performing on the same stage with world-class musicians in the Holiday Pops concert presented by the Master Players on Dec. 9. For a short documentary about the students’ journey to the stage, click here.

LMP aims to empower and support the musical growth of underserved students with the belief that music can change lives. Fostering students’ creative talents helps them become more well-rounded individuals.

How to apply

Applications are open through March 15. New students entering the spring 2018 program will be given weekly lessons during Sunday afternoons at the University of Delaware. Families must provide transportation to and from the University. Alternative transportation options are being considered pending need. In order to qualify for the program, families must to provide evidence of financial need based on household income.

Upon admittance to the program, parents will pay a $30 deposit that will be returned upon the successful completion of the program. Instruments will be provided to students at no cost to them. All instruments will be given to students in good playing condition. Students will also be provided with all necessary accessories for the instruments. The instruments will be given to the students to keep upon successful completion of the program.

All interested applicants and those interested in supporting the project should visit the LMP website for more information and to obtain an application. Questions and completed applications can be sent to ashabaz@udel.edu.