Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
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We increase access to high-quality, inclusive music education.
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After-School Programs: Free violin and saxophone lessons at Peter Paul RVA, group music classes through NextUp RVA, community classes at Robinson Theater, and private lessons at St. Michael’s Episcopal School.
In-School Residencies: Bi-weekly instrument instruction at Title I schools like Meadowbrook High and Carver Middle.
SRO Audition Workshop: Coaching and mock auditions for high school students preparing for Senior Regional Orchestra.
Curriculum Development: Custom beginner violin repertoire blending jazz, pop, and classical styles.
Higher Education Partnerships: Arts internships with VCU and performances with the VCU Health Orchestra.
These programs aim to make music education accessible, impactful, and community-focused.
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We’re not here to "save" a community—we’re here to celebrate, uplift, and support it. Our focus is on building upon and expanding the amazing systems already in place. While some organizations might come in trying to fix problems or change students as if something’s missing, we take a different approach. We partner with the community, strengthening what’s already working and creating new opportunities for growth and access. It’s about working together to make a meaningful difference.
As a donor or volunteer, you play an important role in this effort. Volunteers who work as practice mentors have the chance to connect directly with students, forming real relationships and seeing the impact of their time and energy firsthand. It’s a rewarding experience that’s hard to put into words. For those who prefer to work behind the scenes, your contributions are just as valuable. You’re always welcome to attend events or visit our programming to see how your support is making a difference.
Whether you’re mentoring students or helping in other ways, your involvement helps create opportunities and strengthens communities. It’s about coming together to support something bigger—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
IN SCHOOL FAQ
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MOR In-School Program is for any school that desires a Teaching Artist to come and work with their students. It is an opportunity to provide additional help for your students for an instrument that may not be your specialty, help to prep them for local and district events, or just give them a different perspective. Each of our teachers is a professional musician, has been carefully selected to provide the best possible instruction, and completed a background check.
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School booster programs: Many individual school programs are eligible to have a booster program to provide extra funding. If you aren’t sure if your program has one or is eligible, check with your school administration.
PTA funds: These function similarly to booster programs but are not program specific. Check with your school administration for information on contacting your PTA.
Discretionary funds: Many teachers are given some amount of discretionary funds to put toward classroom needs.
MOR Scholarship: if you are unable to obtain funding through your school, please set up a consultation with MOR.
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Typical sessions will align with class period length.
75 minutes
90 minutes
If your class period falls outside the lengths listed above, please contact MOR for pricing.
Sessions can be split into different activities; a session could include a 45-minute sectional and a 45-minute private or group lesson.
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One 75-minute session: $175
*Two or more sessions booked at the same time: $150 per session ($25 discount)
*The sessions do not need to be all scheduled at the same time.
One 90-minute session: $200
*Two or more sessions booked at the same time: $175 per session ($25 discount)
*The sessions do not need to be all scheduled at the same time.
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A small administrative fee goes to MOR with the remainder going directly to the Artist Teacher.
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If possible, contact MOR at least 45 days prior to the session date to set up a short consultation. In the consultation, we will go over things such as when, what type of session, and the student level. We can then set you up with a Teaching Artist available for the preferred date*.
*Music Orchard cannot guarantee the date proposed; confirmation is contingent on the availability of teachers.
AFTER SCHOOL FAQ
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MOR’s after school programs are only open to students enrolled in the above programs/schools. For more information on how to join, please email us.
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This is dependent on the program. All our programs are low to no cost, with many of them offered at no cost to the student and family. Please reach out for specifics.
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Dependent on the program, MOR will provide an instrument free of charge.
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Our program at Peter Paul currently offers instruction in violin and saxophone. Our program at St. Michael’s currently offers instruction in piano, guitar/ukulele, and violin/viola. Our other programs offer group classes in Music and Technology and General Music.
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No. However, we strongly encourage parents to support the students by encouraging practice at home and attending all performances.
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This is dependent on the program. At St. Michaels, all students receive an individual lesson and then are expected to practice at home on they own or with parental support. At Peter Paul, students receive an individual lesson (violin) or a small group lesson (saxophone) and also receive supervised practice at Peter Paul. Our other group classes do not require practice at home.