Music Education

​Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians 

At the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society, education isn’t just a part of our mission. It’s at the heart of what we do.

For the past 40 years, we have supported and provided music education programs across the island, including:

• Lending up to 75 free instruments to elementary students in support of the exceptional public school strings program that serves 160-180 students per year.
• Awarding partial scholarships to reduce the cost of private classical instrument instruction for 15-20 Island students.
• Sponsoring an annual scholarship to a MVRHS student to pursue music education.
• Holding an annual Artist in Residency program, bringing professional ensembles to the island to teach in the schools for up to a week​.

As demand for music education rises on the island, especially among younger students, we’re expanding our efforts through:

• Monthly school visits from professional musicians during the academic year
• Free community concerts that invite families of all ages to experience live chamber music
• Collaboration with Island nonprofits to broaden visibility and community impact
• Close partnerships with public school music teachers to identify gaps in access and meet evolving student needs

These annual island-wide initiatives reach over 1,000 students and is offered at no cost to the schools or families, as part of our ongoing commitment to music accessibility.
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Artist in Residence Program

Our annual Artist in Residence (AIR) program brings professional chamber musicians to the Vineyard to work directly with island students, lead workshops, teach private lessons, and perform for the students within the schools. 

Since its inception, we’ve welcomed 10 different AIR ensembles, including this year’s Rasa String Quartet. Each residency gives students the opportunity to engage with exceptional musicians, gain new perspectives on their instruments, and deepen their confidence and technique through collaborative learning.

In addition to in-school engagement, each residency includes a free public concert, giving audiences across the island the chance to experience world-class chamber music. Through this program, we aim to foster meaningful connections between students, performers, and the broader community.

Cellist Andres Vera presents his unique playing style to students at Chilmark Elementary School, as part of the 2017 AIR Program.  Photo: Douglas Finn.

The Rasa String Quartet conducts the Oak Bluffs Elementary School Orchestra as part of the 2025 AIR Program

Student Scholarships

Each year, MVCMS awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated a passion for music. These scholarships support students in their musical studies, whether they’re pursuing music professionally or as a lifelong passion.

Past recipients have gone on to study at conservatories and universities across the country, continuing the cycle of musical excellence that MVCMS strives to foster.

Youth Performance Opportunities

MVCMS regularly includes young island musicians in its programming, offering them opportunities to perform at public concerts, events, and special showcases. These collaborations build confidence, provide real-world experience, and celebrate the talent that exists right here in our community.

Help Us Grow!

Music education is an investment in the cultural future of our island. With your support, we can:

• ​Expand our school programs to include more workshops, mentorships, and residencies
• Provide more scholarships and instruments for students in need
• Host family-friendly concerts and events that make music accessible to all ages

Our programs are made possible through generous grants from MVYouth, Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation, West Chop Community Fund, Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation, Rockland Trust, and the Martha's Vineyard Local Cultural Council. Despite this strong support from grantors, MVCMS will need financial support from private donors to continue these programs.

Please consider a targeted donation to sustain and grow our programs into the future. 
​Your contribution will make a direct impact:

• $50 = a new bow
• $250 = a semester of private lesson support
• ​$500 = a new student violin
• $1,000 = a cello
• ​$3,000 = a visiting teaching ensemble and free community concert

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