The show must go on: Local music school getting creative for annual performance

LEXINGTON, Mass. — Lexington’s Keys for Kids music school has made the transition to online learning. Teaching instruments or music classes through video chat may seem challenging, but educational director Inga Magid said the transition was smooth.

“They start paying more attention when it’s online because my fingers are closer proximity to them, I can move my hands on the piano and show them everything they need to do,” said Magid.

The school has students from nearly 30 communities across Massachusetts. During the spring, students from the school begin to prepare for the annual Keys for Kids performance gala. The event has raised nearly $15,000 since the first gala in 2011, giving to music programs in public schools in the state.

But this year, the performance gala has been canceled. Magid said rather than calling it off, they’ve decided to get creative to make sure funds are still being raised and those students can perform after preparing all year long.

“I just don’t want us to feel defeated. The kids have been working so long and so hard on this. They have been looking forward to this performance and it’s the highlight of the year for them and all the families,” said Magid.

This year, the gala will go digital. Teachers have instructed parents to record videos of their kids while they play their piece. Magid said they plan on synchronizing all the performances into one video and posting it on their website for all to enjoy.

The kids will be able to see themselves perform and donors can still give if they’d like. Magid said music is something the students use to bring structure and self-expression into their lives during these unknown times.

“Music really brings some calm and relief, I think many of us just really need right now,” said Magid.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

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