Project Step

Project STEP (String Training Education Program) has been providing comprehensive music instruction to talented young musicians from historically underrepresented groups in classical music since 1982. Our mission is to address the underrepresentation of certain racial and ethnic minorities in classical music by identifying musically talented students from Boston and surrounding communities, and providing them with comprehensive music and string instrument instruction. We set the highest standards for disciplined study and performance, and offer a platform for students interested in pursuing classical music careers as well as other courses of study.

Our Programs

Project STEP's Core program provides sustained, individualized training for up to 12 years on violin, viola, cello, or bass. Most weekly training occurs on Saturdays during the academic year in practice rooms at Symphony Hall or the New England Conservatory (NEC), and in teachers' private studios. A sample of classes includes private lessons, music theory, chamber music, orchestra and host of additional enrichment and performance opportunities.

In addition to our Core program, we also offer the FOCUS program, which provides a high quality introduction to music for Kindergarten/K2 students. This program aims to provide a solid foundation in music education for young students, and serves as a stepping stone to the Core program.

Our Impact

Project STEP is more than just a music program. We provide our students with the skills and opportunities they need to become excellent musicians, creative and confident students, and successful young adults. Our students learn perseverance, social and leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, problem solving skills, and strong work ethic that prove to be invaluable in their future musical and non-musical pursuits. Our students serve as role models and mentors in their families and communities.

100% of Project STEP graduates attend college or conservatory and 60% of them continue in the field of music as a profession. We are proud to have 52 students currently studying in our Core Program.

Our Mission and Vision

Our vision is a world in which the classical music profession reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of our communities. We recognize that certain racial and ethnic minorities are vastly underrepresented in classical music, and we are committed to addressing this imbalance. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to receive high-quality music education, regardless of their background.

Our History

Project STEP was founded in 1982 by members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra community who were questioning the status quo and looking for ways to make classical music more inclusive. They were concerned about the lack of diversity in classical music and wanted to provide training for underrepresented children with musical talent and expand their access to the world of classical music. Since then, we have introduced 2,000 children to music through our FOCUS and core programs, and have graduated 100% of our students to college or conservatory.