The Maestro Initiative is a piano program that provides musical training and performance opportunities to Detroit youth ages 8-12, promoting skills like self-esteem, discipline, and academic achievement. Students write essays for consideration, and sponsors can donate to support students' lessons, materials, and recitals at various levels from $10 to $125. The program founder Kwamise Taylor has over 20 years of music teaching and performing experience and hopes to partner with sponsors to offer the gift of music to youth.

1. The Maestro Initiative

2. What is The Maestro Initiative? The Maestro Initiative is a piano program designed to foster creative development, cultural growth, and an appreciation of the arts by providing positive musical experiences to Detroit area youths between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. Our purpose is to provide musical training and performance opportunities to youths who may not otherwise have access or opportunity to such training, while promoting high self- esteem, self-discipline, perseverance, self- motivation, concentration, creativity, higher reasoning skills, high a cademic achievement, and a positive self-image. Prospective candidates for the Maestro Initiative will be required to include a brief essay, in the student’s words, with their application as to the desire to participate in the Piano program. Candidates’ essays will be evaluated by the Selection Committee, which consists of the school administrator and/or representative and the Maestro Initiative Director, and selected on the strength of their application.

3. Sponsorship How can you help? The Maestro Initiative is made possible by the financial support of individuals, community organizations, and businesses like you. Your investment will have an immeasurable impact on the lives of these youth and the community in which they live. By sponsoring a child, you will be providing an invaluable learning opportunity. Sponsorship Levels Bach-Level Sponsorship - $125.00 Covers the cost of instruction, materials, equipment, and Recital fees for one student; and sponsor advertisement in Recital Program Booklet Beethoven-Level Sponsorship - $75.00 Covers the cost of instruction, materials, and equipment for one student; and sponsor advertisement in Recital Program Booklet Mozart-Level Sponsorship - $50.00 Covers the cost of four group lessons, materials for one student, and patron listing in Recital Program Booklet Chopin-Level Sponsorship - $25.00 Covers the cost of two group lessons and materials for one student, and patron listing in Recital Program Booklet Salieri-Level Sponsorship - $10.00 Covers the cost of one group lesson and materials for one student, and patron listing in Recital Program Booklet

4. Kwamise Taylor is a product of the Detroit Public School System and a graduate of Cass Technical High School, where she studied music as a vocation. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education from Wayne State University. Ms. Taylor has served in the capacity of General Music Teacher in the Highland Park School System, Detroit Public School System, and the Edison Public Schools. She has also served as a consultant on the African American Lutheran Book of Worship. Ms. Taylor has pursued interests in Law at Wayne State University, Recording Engineering at Aspen Music School in Aspen Colorado, and has recently been accepted into the Masters Program in Conducting at Oakland University. She has over 20 years experience composing, arranging, teaching and performing music. In addition to serving as the Artistic Director of Detroit Metropolitan Youth Ensembles, Inc., she is the mother of one son and a musician/director at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.

5. Thank you for your consideration and interest in The Maestro Initiative . I am excited about the possibility of partnering with you to offer the gift of music to our youth. Should you have any questions, concerns, or require additional information, I can be reached at 248.470.2380 or via email at [email_address] . I look forward to your support in this musical endeavor. Sincerely, Kwamise Taylor Founder/Director www.dmye.org