Grand Piano Series Shares Love of Music with Children and Seniors

Grand Piano Series provides exceptional concerts by some of the world’s most talented artists. It also shares its love of music free of charge with Collier County residents through its Community Engagement Program, which provides educational programs and cultural enrichment to students and seniors.

“We are grateful to the Collier Community Foundation for this $30,000 grant, which enables us to expand access to music education and performances for underserved children and seniors,” said Milana Strezeva, President & Artistic Director, Grand Piano Series. “We are proud of our student program, which serves Title 1 schools with predominantly lower-income families, providing classical musical experiences that might not otherwise be accessible. Our popular seniors’ program offers a combination of lectures and mini-concerts to enrich and enlighten residents who may have difficulty traveling to formal concerts.”

The Musical Discovery program is designed to inspire students with the beauty of classical music and its relationship to culture, geography, history, and literature. It also helps children develop focus, listening skills, and an interest in creating music.

Introductory Music Lab offers weekly after-school basic interactive instruction for students with a demonstrated interest in learning to read music and play an instrument. This program is designed to encourage student focus and demonstrate the value of sustained effort to achieve results.

The Elementary Schools Music Enrichment program presents visiting professional artists at local schools, coordinated with classroom teachers, to reinforce classroom curricula and bring lessons to life. Each visit includes a performance, educational lecture, and student Q&A session.

The student music education program continues to expand in both the types of instruction and the number of students engaged with more than 6,000 student-days participation, a 33 percent increase compared to previous years.

“Great performance and presentation. The artists…created opportunities to engage with students by demonstrating musical concepts through playing and making real-life connections with the musical works and concepts.” -Jose Cordero Andrade, Golden Terrace Elementary

The Seniors’ Musical Exploration program, partially funded by the CCF grant, is receiving overwhelming demand. It provides local seniors with stimulating social engagement and lifelong learning opportunities, including a series of curated educational presentations.  More than a concert, each program features an engaging presentation and interactive discussions guided by the Juilliard-trained staff and exceptional guest artists. “These events stimulate participants’ social engagement and personal connections through a shared love of music.”, said Strezeva.

Seniors experience improved access to cultural and educational events, social engagement, and an improved sense of well-being and vitality. Strezeva anticipates achieving between 1,600 to 2,100 senior participant days in the coming year.

“The Grand Piano Series is one of the treasures in our community. The caliber of talent and artists they are bringing to Naples is incredible! World-renowned artists inspire future generations and bring our seniors (85+ years) joy and enrichment. Music touches one’s soul and brings a variety of emotions to help you survive, heal, and overcome the challenges of aging. THANK YOU for your work in the community and for enriching our residents’ lives.”-Kelly Rhoads, Grand Living Naples

About Grand Piano Series

Grand Piano Series is a non-profit concert and education organization committed to presenting and preserving extraordinary music repertoire. Through memorable concerts with world-class international artists, dynamic educational initiatives for all ages, engaging online programs, and meaningful community outreach, we make great music accessible to all.

For more information and concert schedules, visit www.grandpianoseries.org.

About the Collier Community Foundation

Collier Community Foundation® is a tax-exempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the Collier Community Foundation manages over 850 funds, works with hundreds of nonprofits, and has granted over $328 million to nonprofit organizations, community programs, and scholarships. Informed giving. Powerful results®. Learn more at colliercf.org or call 239-649-5000.