The past year has been a big one for the Regent Park School of Music (RPSM). The move to the Daniels Spectrum building in September, from their previous location on Queen, has created a lot of positive change. They have been able to cut down on their wait list and provide additional rehearsal space to help RPSM students, getting them one step closer to achieving their goal of reaching 3,000 youth-in-need by 2015. RPSM was founded in 1999 and provides high quality, affordable music education to youth in need. Currently, 294 individual students make use of low cost (some classes are only $2!) after-school programming at the Regent Park location. In the past year, more than 1,100 at-risk youth in Regent Park, Parkdale, Jane and Finch, and Lawrence Heights benefited from their classes.

I had the chance to speak to longtime RPSM student, Charlotte Seigel, on Monday about her experience with the school. Charlotte began coming to RPSM’s Early Childhood Education program when she was seven years old, then moved on to piano lessons, and fell in love with voice work when she was in Grade 9. Now, 11 years since she started with RPSM, Charlotte has been offered admission to the University of Toronto’s music program on a full scholarship. She says she couldn’t have done it without the school: “It’s given me so much confidence and passion for music. All these different performing opportunities have helped me realize and know, 100 percent, that this is what I want to do.”

When she talks about RPMS, she gets becomes increasingly animated; mentioning the opportunities the school has given her, she swells with pride. She’s collaborated with Hawksley Workman, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Chantal Kreviazuk, and has been able to work on her own material as well. Her twin sister is heavily involved in the percussion program and she has many friends who have gone through the school with her. With high school graduation fast approaching, Charlotte knows that her involvement with RPMS will change, but she intends to visit and help out often. Watching her as she lead us on a tour of the new space, I could tell that she will always be a RPMS student at heart.

Peeking in through doorways as we walked through the brightly coloured space, I could see students and teachers working together, both one-on-one and in group settings. It was so inspiring to see the children and youth learning their various instruments. The importance of inspiring individuals through music was visible, and the opportunity for growth and creativity seemed tangible. As I said goodbye to Charlotte at the end of our tour, I realized both were true. Charlotte is but one of thousands of youth who have been affected by the school, and her story is proof that the program works.

On Monday, May 13, the Regent Park School of Music is holding its annual fundraiser, Crescendo!, at the Ada Straight Hall in the Daniels Spectrumbuilding. Crescendo! will be hosted by JAZZ.FM 91’s On-Air Host, Jaymz Bee, and feature performances by The Heavyweights Brass Band, Side 3, and students from the RPSM. Funds raised at the event will go towards expanding RPSM’s program offerings. If you are excited or inspired by RPSM’s programming, consider attending! Tickets for RPSM’s fundraiser are available online at www.rpmusic.org or by phone at 416-364-8900.