Founded in 2022 by composer-pianist Nathan Shirley, crescendo! Piano in the Classroom is a piano-based music enrichment program serving nearly 300 McDowell County public school students. We believe that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, should have access to the enormous benefits of a quality music education.
crescendo! is a nonprofit program of the McDowell Arts Council Association.
Currently in two McDowell public elementary schools, crescendo! provides tuition-free group lessons to all third, fourth, and fifth grade students during the school day. Last school year (2024-’25), we expanded to include middle school students in an after-school program.
Hundreds of studies have shown that…
Mental Health
Studying music supports brain development, stress reduction, and emotional expression. It improves happiness and self esteem.
Academics
Children who study music perform better in school. They have higher grades, improved literacy, and are 25% more likely to graduate.
Society
Playing music with others encourages cooperation and increases the ability to make social connections.
The McDowell Endowment Grant
Thanks to a generous grant from The McDowell Endowment, crescendo! was able to bring on four assistant teachers, ensuring each of our piano classes this year had at least two instructors every day. The extra help and attention the kids get is wonderful. Students are even more engaged, progress faster, and enjoy piano more than ever.
Thank you McDowell Endowment!
You can help
There are many ways you can help support our program: give a keyboard, volunteer to help out in a class, donate, or tell your friends.
