Free Music Classes Give Cortez Kids a Hands-On Introduction | LOR Foundation
In-Progress Education

Free Music Classes Give Cortez Kids a Hands-On Introduction

Cortez
  • Local Champion: ZU Arts Initiative
  • Date Funded: April 16, 2026
  • Grant Amount: $7,000

Cortez’s middle school music program has grown to include nearly 75% of enrolled students, but younger children in the community have few opportunities to explore music before they reach that level. Seeing this gap and hearing from local musicians who wanted to teach kids, the founder of the ZU Arts Initiative had an idea. LOR’s funding helped the ZU Arts Initiative purchase instruments—including xylophones, glockenspiels, recorders, ukuleles, and tambourines—to launch “Mini Music Makers,” a free music class series for elementary-age children. The program’s monthly workshops will make music education more accessible for Cortez families while providing new opportunities for working artists.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Onward! A Legacy Foundation.

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
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