Omaha: Children build confidence through grant-funded music education

For young children, learning an instrument can increase their skills, confidence and lifelong success. String Sprouts, a program of the Omaha Conservatory of Music, provides accessible, high-quality music education to young children whose families might not otherwise be able to afford it.

Founded in 2013, the innovative program offers five years of affordable, accessible instruction in violin, viola, cello and bass to nearly 900 children ages 3 to 8, supporting their development, strengthening family relationships and improving academic outcomes.

The program’s impact extends well beyond music. According to an evaluation by UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute:

• 37% of participants demonstrated above-average academic skills
• 14% demonstrated above-average executive functioning skills
• 14% demonstrated above-average vocabulary skills

Program instructors witness that impact every day. One shared, “When children build confidence and pride in what they do, we help them know they are capable of really incredible things.”

Until recently, String Sprouts also operated a satellite program in Scottsbluff. However, federal cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts resulted in the loss of a major grant, contributing to the difficult decision to end the western Nebraska program.

Now, with state-level threats to the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, programs like String Sprouts remain at risk. The Nebraska Cultural Endowment matches private donations with state dollars to generate earnings that protect vital cultural experiences in Nebraska communities.

You can help protect grant funding for String Sprouts and other culture-defining programs by donating to and advocating for the Endowment today.