At Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of music education, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Over the past several years, we have seen firsthand how rising costs have affected families throughout our region. For many households, expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, and utilities continue to consume a larger portion of the family budget. While arts education remains important, it can sometimes become one of the first opportunities families are forced to set aside when resources are limited.
That reality has led us to ask an important question: How can we do more?
The answer is “Listen Up,” a new free summer music camp that builds upon the success and philosophy of our award-winning EARS (Empower A Rising Star) Student Music Scholarship Program.
Since its creation, EARS has helped remove financial barriers to music instruction by providing scholarship-supported lessons to students who might otherwise lack access to them. The program has demonstrated that when children are given the opportunity to learn and grow through music, the results extend far beyond the classroom. Students gain confidence, discipline, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Now, through Listen Up, we are taking the next step.
This free camp is designed to introduce children and families to music in an accessible, welcoming environment while helping us explore new ways to expand EARS’ reach across the communities we serve.
Listen Up Summer Music Camp
Dates: July 20, 21, 22, and 23
Location:
Peter J. Daley Cultural Center
119 Brownsville Avenue
Brownsville, PA 15417
Session Times:
- Ages 4-8: 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM
- Ages 9-14: 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM
Cost: Free
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend alongside their children.
Participants will enjoy age-appropriate musical activities designed to foster creativity, build confidence, and create positive experiences with the arts. No prior musical experience is required.
Looking Toward the Future
Listen Up is more than a summer camp. It is part of a larger effort to expand access to arts education and respond to the changing needs of our communities.
As MVAA continues to grow, we are exploring ways to scale the EARS program so that more students can benefit from affordable and accessible music education. Listen Up will help us connect with families, identify community needs, and develop future opportunities that make music education available to even more young people.
“Music has the power to bring people together, build confidence, and create opportunities that can last a lifetime,” said MVAA President Annette Buffer. “We are pleased to offer this free program and invite families to join us as we continue working to make arts education accessible to everyone.”
Registration Information
Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
To register, call 724-561-5616.
Supporting EARS and Listen Up
Programs like EARS and Listen Up are made possible through the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community partners who believe in the power of arts education.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in helping expand these opportunities for local youth are encouraged to contact Carla Anderton, CFRE, Vice President of Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, at 724-970-5841 to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
About Mon Valley Academy for the Arts
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality arts and cultural programming for people of all ages. Through music instruction, performance opportunities, educational programs, and community partnerships, MVAA works to strengthen communities and improve lives through the arts.
Mon Valley Academy for the Arts
119 Brownsville Avenue
Brownsville, PA 15417
Phone: 724-561-5616
Email: info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org
Media Contact:
Annette Buffer
724-561-5616
info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org