PROGRAMMING

Putting an instrument in a student’s hands opens the door.

Meaningful music programming helps them step through—building skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging while keeping them engaged and facilitating growth over time.

“We are so grateful for this program. My son really enjoys the mentor relationship, and I believe it's made a huge difference in his level of motivation and persistence.”


-Parent of a PING Partner participant
A wooden violin resting on a dark, outdoor bench with its bow lying beside it.

Instruments

Providing instruments to students who need them is a core PING program. We also cover maintenance, repairs, accessories, and upgrades as students grow in size or skill. Quality instruments help young musicians play better and more easily, increasing the chance of them continuing in music. 


Studies have shown that participating in instrumental music has positive effects academically, socially, and on mental health. And, the longer students participate, the more they benefit.

Two students holding saxophones in a classroom, looking together at sheet music on a music stand.

Mentoring

Two music mentoring programs support PING musicians. For 4th and 5th grade musicians, PING Partners was recently established, pairing high school musicians with younger PING students who play the same instrument for short weekly meetings. NextNote, for PING 6th to 8th graders, also pairs students with high school musicians. This mentoring program, founded more than 20 years ago, is evolving to meet on a flexible schedule to better accommodate students’ busy calendars and increase enrollment. 

A music teacher points to sheet music on a stand while a student holds a cello during a lesson.

Private Music Lessons

PING students dedicated to their musical growth can take weekly private lessons with local musicians who specialize in their instrument. PING supports these lessons by matching students with teachers and covering the full cost. Many teachers also host recitals, giving young musicians the opportunity to perform solos or in small ensembles, building confidence along the way.

A marching band performs on a green football field, led by a conductor standing on an elevated podium.

Fee Support

PING helps students with Marching Band and Jazz Tour fees, payments to join special ensembles, and school fees to participate in music at public schools when required.

A symphony orchestra and large choir perform on a tiered wooden stage in a concert hall under theatrical spotlights.

Free Concerts

Experiencing live music is essential to a student’s musical journey. Free concert tickets for the whole family are offered through partnerships with the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, Handel Week, Oak Park and River Forest High School, and Ravinia Festival’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances each summer.

A person with braided hair plays the violin on a path in a park with green trees in the background.

Summer Camps & Other Opportunities

Building music skills during summer months is important for fall ensemble readiness. PING offers a variety of summer options.


Summer camps offer students the chance to deepen musical skills, grow in independence, and create new friendships while experiencing the joy of making music in a new environment. PING supports Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM) at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, a week-long overnight camp on a college campus. We also connect students to commuter camps offered by partner school districts and organizations such as Merit School of Music. To ensure these experiences are accessible, PING helps families navigate camp options, supports enrollment, and covers fees. For overnight camps, we provide travel allowances—removing barriers so more students can participate and thrive.


PING also offers a summer mentoring session and summer private music lessons. 

A group of marching band members in blue and red uniforms playing instruments during a parade.

Experience & Graduate Awards

A special opportunity for high school students, the Donna D’Oro Anderson Fund for Lifelong Music, provides financial support for meaningful musical experiences, including performing arts travel. Through this program, PING students have traveled to Spain, Italy, Memphis/New Orleans, and Walt Disney World to perform. PING partners with local organizations to help make these opportunities possible—experiences that might otherwise be out of reach for PING students.


In their senior year, PING musicians are invited to apply for a Graduate Award through the same fund. These awards provide additional financial support as students take the next steps in their musical and academic journeys.