Thanks to a generous gift from a group of passionate music enthusiasts, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Alger Middle School now enjoy a full hour of daily piano instruction–each with their own keyboard and headphones. A donation of 20 state-of-the-art keyboards, made through the GRPS Foundation, has transformed the school’s music program, igniting excitement, creativity, and a newfound confidence in the classroom.
Choir teacher Julie Farrier couldn’t be more thrilled. “The students are in love with music,” she shared. “They rate this a 10 out of 10.”
With each student equipped with a keyboard instrument and headphones, Farrier can simultaneously teach a wide range of skill levels—from absolute beginners to advanced learners. One of the students’ favorite features is the ability to explore different sounds on their keyboards, making repetition fun and fueling their creativity.
“Since teaching music involves repetition, this is a great vessel for creativity on a challenging instrument,” Farrier said.
But the benefits of piano instruction go far beyond the music room.
Boosting Brain Power
Learning to play the piano has been shown to improve cognitive development in children. It enhances memory, sharpens concentration, and strengthens problem-solving skills. For Alger students, this daily practice is not just about learning notes–it’s about building mental agility that supports their performance in math, reading, and science.
Fostering Emotional Growth
Music is a powerful emotional outlet. For many students, the piano has become a safe space to express themselves, manage stress, and build self-esteem. On the first day of lessons, 6th grader Belise Umutesi composed her own song. “It makes me feel good,” she said with a smile. That sense of accomplishment and joy is echoed by many of her classmates.
Encouraging Discipline and Patience
Mastering an instrument like the piano requires dedication, focus, and perseverance. These are life skills students carry with them beyond the classroom. The structured practice helps them set goals to overcome challenges and celebrate progress one note at a time.
Creating Community Through Music
The piano program creates new opportunities for students to connect. They can collaborate on duets, share original compositions, and support one another during practice. Music is becoming a unifying force, strengthening and fostering a more connected school community.
Thanks to this incredible donation, Alger Middle School is hitting all the right notes—one key at a time.
