At EKS Music School, we believe that music is more than learning notes, mastering techniques, or performing on stage. Music has the power to connect people, inspire kindness, and make a meaningful difference in our communities.
That is why we are excited to introduce our theme for the 2026–2027 school year: “Play It Forward: Make Music. Give Back.”
Inspired by the idea of paying it forward, this theme encourages our students, faculty, and families to think beyond their own musical achievements and explore how they can use their talents to bring joy, comfort, and positive change to others.
Music Is a Gift Worth Sharing
Every student begins their musical journey with personal goals—learning a favorite song, preparing for an examination, or performing confidently at a recital. These accomplishments are important, and we celebrate every milestone along the way.
But we also want our students to discover something equally valuable: the music they create can have a meaningful impact on someone else’s life.
A familiar melody can bring comfort to a senior. A performance can brighten someone’s day. A benefit concert can raise awareness and support for a worthy cause. Even a small musical gesture can create a lasting connection.
When we share our music with others, we transform our musical skills into something greater than personal achievement.
Turning Music into Action
Throughout the 2026–2027 school year, each EKS faculty studio will lead at least one community service initiative, giving students opportunities to participate in meaningful projects that combine music and giving back.
These initiatives may include benefit concerts, performances at senior living communities, fundraising activities, or collaborations with local nonprofit organizations.
We also encourage students to take an active role in planning and organizing these projects. Whether choosing a charitable cause, preparing a concert program, setting a fundraising goal, or helping coordinate an event, students can develop valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and community engagement.
Most importantly, we want students to understand that they do not have to be professional musicians to make a difference through music. Every contribution, regardless of age or ability, has value.
Learning Beyond the Music
Music education teaches discipline, perseverance, creativity, and self-expression. Through Play It Forward, we hope to add another important dimension to that learning experience: compassion and social responsibility.
We want our students to ask not only, “How well can I play?” but also, “How can I use what I have learned to help someone else?”
By connecting musical growth with community service, we hope to nurture not only capable musicians but also thoughtful, generous individuals who recognize their ability to contribute positively to the world around them.
These are lessons that extend far beyond the music studio.
A Community Effort
Play It Forward is not just a theme for our students. It is an invitation to our entire EKS community.
We welcome families to share ideas, suggest local organizations or causes that could benefit from musical outreach, and participate in our community service initiatives throughout the year.
Our faculty will work alongside students to bring these ideas to life, creating opportunities for everyone to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.
Together, we can demonstrate that even small acts of generosity can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to give back in their own ways.
Let’s Play It Forward!
As we begin another year of music-making, we look forward to celebrating not only what our students accomplish at the piano, with their instruments, or through their voices, but also the positive impact they make beyond the classroom.
We hope this year’s theme will remind our students that music is not simply something we learn or perform. It is something we can share, something we can give, and something that can make a difference.
Here’s to a year of beautiful music, meaningful connections, and giving back to the community that supports us.
Play It Forward: Make Music. Give Back.
