Island Strings

OUR MISSION

Island Strings (established in 1974) is creating opportunities and access to stringed instrument education for Whidbey Island (WA) students of violin, viola, cello and double bass. 

Join in the transformative power of the Linda Good Music Scholarship Fund, which offers various avenues of support.

Update: Including offline donations, we have raised $4,170. Can you help us to reach or surpass our $5,000 goal before the end of this 50th Anniversary Year?

This program is named in tribute to Island Strings co-founder, Linda Good, who brought the joy of strings education to Whidbey Island children for 49 years.

WHAT WE CAN ACCOMPLISH

Following a successful "Intro to Violin" summer group class, Island Strings partnered with the Coupeville School District to establish after-school academic year classes for beginners. We anticipate the need for financial aid for 6-8 families. 

In offering these classes we are addressing our primary goals of (1) introducing stringed instruments to new students, and (2) reducing the financial roadblocks that can keep some families from getting started.

Scholarships were awarded in September 2024 to students across Whidbey Island to cover group class tuition or 3 months of instrument rental from a local music store.

HOW YOUR DOLLARS WILL BE APPLIED

Examples of the costs facing Whidbey Island music students, and how your contribution can help:

$200-$400 covers enrollment in a youth symphony of summer music program

$95-$180 supports 3 months of assistance with instrument rental fees

$200-$500 provides financial aid for a family in-need, towards group or studio instruction

No gift is too small. Your contribution combines into a powerful community action.

WHY WE DO THIS

Why bowed strings? There is an absence of orchestral strings education in the Whidbey schools, and yet children can begin playing stringed instruments at an earlier age than they can begin wind instruments. The unique aspect of strings is that they come in as many sizes as there are children (fractional size violins are available for tiny beginners). And though musical expression is the primary goal, the benefits of bowed strings reach far beyond the music played. For example, bowed instruments require cross-lateral movements that can enhance cognitive development. And, regardless of age, working with bowed strings helps the player to develop discipline, fine motor skills, and overall confidence.

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by committee and selected on the basis of merit or financial need. Recipients must be studying a violin-family instrument, but folk styles are welcome. Awards are paid directly to the program, retail store or studio, thereby supporting the student and the local economy.

OUR FISCAL SPONSOR
Island Strings is a program of the Whidbey Island Arts council, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization (91-1147736)