Grants give children the gift of music
For music tutor Margaret Guldborg, the joy on children’s faces when they start learning an instrument just can’t be beaten. Especially as for many of the children, learning an instrument would usually be out of financial reach for them and their whānau.
Enter Arohanui Strings+, a free music education programme teaching children strings, brass and woodwind around the Wellington region.
The response from students is the reason Margaret’s been working with Arohanui Strings+ since 2012, first as a volunteer tutor and now Programme Director.
Based in schools and community venues in high deprivation neighbourhoods, students learn music in group settings after school. They’re also given afternoon snacks through Kaibosh to keep them nourished while they learn.
When they’re ready, students receive an instrument to take home to take care of and practise. Most instruments are donated.
It’s a far-reaching programme, with around 300 students from 50 different ethnicities involved across many schools, plus 18 music tutors.
“I love seeing it in their eyes when you have that ‘I get it’ moment,” Margaret says.
“Because then it’s unstoppable and the better they get, and they’re able to sit still for longer because the focus is there.”
The aim isn’t to create musicians out of every student, but to share the many benefits music brings – like the empathy you learn from performing in a group, Margaret says.
“One little boy, he’s been with us since 2018 and he’s just thriving. His mother was telling me last week it’s special because she’s from India and she never would have considered the violin. All the kids run up to me and say, ‘Margaret, look what I can do’, and they’re just so proud.”
“Another one of my students is very shy,” Margaret explains.
“She started lessons and she’s doing so well. A few months later her classroom teacher said how much she’s changed. Her self-worth has improved and this has improved her schoolwork. Now she’s being given more leadership roles – so it’s just an avalanche of goodness. I think it made her think, ‘Oh I am good at something, maybe I can be good at other things too’
TG Macarthy Trust provided cash boost
A grant from the TG Macarthy Trust, administered by Public Trust, provided vital funding to Arohanui Strings+. As one of New Zealand’s largest charitable trust administrators, Public Trust proudly supports over 430 trusts in distributing funds back into our communities.
“Our biggest cost is employing tutors for our 300-400 tamariki and rangatahi to learn from each week,” Margaret says.
“Most are professional musicians in their own right and are very experienced teachers. They have a lot of knowledge and teaching an instrument isn’t easy.”
Margaret explains without grants the programme wouldn’t be able to be run, as they do not charge fees to parents.
The tough economic climate continues to impact charities, meaning funding for Arohanui Strings+ is tighter than ever, she says.
“We were so relieved and thankful to receive the grant. We want the programme to run as smoothly and for as long as possible – because it’s really special.”