Breaking Barriers: Making Music Education Accessible Through Fundraising

6 years ago, Gloria Kravchenko was brought to a recording session by her piano teacher, exposing her to the captivating melodies of an orchestra for the very first time. This experience sparked her love for the violin, inspiring her to take up violin lessons. Her first violin teacher happened to be a member of the same orchestra that initially sparked her love for the violin.

A Difficult Transition

Leaving her homeland in Ukraine and relocating to Chicago presented a series of challenges for Gloria and her family. Her mother struggled to find employment, making it even harder for Gloria to pursue her musical education. Gloria's search for the right music school finally ended when her mother stumbled upon the Music Institute of Chicago. Not only did she find the perfect place to nurture her musical talent, but she was also offered the financial aid that made it all possible. At MIC, Gloria was introduced to her mentor, Jasmine Lin, whom she credits for her incredible growth and improvement.

“My family moved to Chicago from Ukraine in 2022. Everything was brand new, and it was difficult to adjust since my mother had not found a job yet. I had trouble finding a new violin teacher until my mother discovered MIC. I am very grateful to have been offered financial aid, which allowed me to take lessons with my incredible teacher, which I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”

The Importance of Accessibility

With the financial aid received from the generous contributions of our MIC family, Gloria not only gained a wonderful teacher and improved her skills, but she also found a like-minded community. Although some of her fellow students may be younger than her, seeing them perform at the recitals makes her smile. For Gloria, the recitals serve as a way to connect with her community and as a crucial stepping stone toward a future in music.

“A good quality music education is definitely important, so making it accessible to people of different backgrounds is essential. Everyone should have equal opportunities to pursue their goals.” 

Gloria is one of more than 150 hard-working students at MIC who have benefited from the support of your generous contributions. By contributing to our fundraising efforts, you can empower talented individuals like Gloria to pursue their dreams in music. 

You can show your support by attending our Families in Concert Fundraiser, or by donating here.