Musical Empowerment Announces The Launch Of A New Chapter At Duke University

DURHAM, NC — Musical Empowerment is launching its newest chapter at Duke University. Collegiate mentors at Duke will now bring free music lessons to children from underserved communities in Durham beginning in Fall 2023. 

“We couldn’t be more proud of the college volunteers who have made this partnership possible, and we are thrilled to empower and uplift even more youth through music education,” says Musical Empowerment Executive Director Kelley Downey. 

Through free, one-on-one music lessons, Musical Empowerment’s Duke Chapter will nurture meaningful relationships between the collegiate mentors and their mentees throughout Durham County. These unique relationships foster a shared love of music and learning that builds a foundation of confidence, creativity, and self-discipline to create successful members of the community.  

Musical Empowerment Board member, and Professor Emeritus of Music at Duke, Dr. Bryan Gilliam Ph.D., believes this is a win-win for Duke and residents in Durham, “I am so excited about the Duke chapter of Musical Empowerment for Durham. Obviously, it will mean a lot for the lives of young often-underprivileged musicians of the Durham Community—but it also enriches the lives of our wonderful music students who have chosen service above self.”

This makes the eighth college chapter of Musical Empowerment with other chapters including the flagship chapter (2002) at UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, NC Central University, East Carolina University, Wake Forest University, and two out-of-state chapters including Dartmouth College (New Hampshire) and Hunter College (New York City). 

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About Musical Empowerment

Musical Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Carrboro, NC that pairs underserved children from the local community with collegiate mentors who volunteer their time by providing free music lessons. Music teachers and social workers in the local school systems identify and refer students who have the potential to benefit from the program. Established in 2002, the non-profit provides opportunities for students to learn music and more importantly, life skills including responsibility, discipline, and confidence. We believe music education plays a significant role in society by contributing to the development of compassionate, intelligent, and well-rounded individuals.