PHOENIX — For the last 30 years, a nonprofit in the heart of Downtown Phoenix has made it their mission to eliminate barriers keeping kids from a high-quality musical education.
Rosie's House started in 1996 in a small home in a low-income community. It has grown proudly to serve more than 600 students.
Marvin Scott, the program and community engagement director, told 12News all about the non-profit.
"The instruments available are where kids can borrow one at no cost as part of the program," said Scott. "Not to mention the piano lab, then keyboards and headphones to sound check and test playback."
Scott said learning music can inspire and change the lives of students at Rosie's House.
"Music plays a role in everyone's life and there are benefits of learning how to play an instrument or realizing that you can sing, not to mention the cognitive impact on development and social skills it can have," Scott said.
Aline Boyd teaches piano at Rosie's House. She said being introduced to instruments early on can have lasting impacts on students.
"The students have developed self-esteem and confidence, they didn't necessarily start off that way but music has had a big impact on their lives," Boyd said.
Viola teacher Dr. Michael DiBarry agrees and said it allows students to explore new opportunities and tap into their skill sets.
"Students learn how to be creative, if they didn't have access before and the students who already possess it learn to be disciplined and even if they don't use it later in life, the benefits stay with them," DiBarry added.
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