I have a question which I would love get some feedback from SS'ers about
Do any of you have any experience with crowdfunding? I am considering setting up a funding approach to give at-risk kids the chance to learn to play the flute.
Background: I teach the flute. I've set up a (part-time) business as a sole trader, and I meet all the business and associated requirements (eg. I have a working with children card, public liability insurance, etc etc etc).
In WA, all children in the public education system are tested in Year 4 for musical aptitude. Those who demonstrate above a particular level of aptitude are offered the chance to learn a musical instrument, which is subsidised through the WA Ed Dept.
I personally believe that aptitude is only one aspect that should be considered when it comes to music. Interest is really a key issue - if the child is interested, they should have the chance to learn an instrument. This is where the WA Ed Dept falls down - I should add that it does need to be able to draw the line somewhere, but I do feel that there are kids who would really benefit, who currently do miss out.
I've been thinking lately about giving kids who don't meet this level of aptitude a chance to learn to play the flute, through teaching them myself. This would be done in conjunction with the child's teacher, principal and music teacher (if there is one), so as to identify those children who didn't meet the WA Ed Dept SIMS aptitude level (and so didn't qualify for the music program), and don't already learn an instrument outside of school.
Ideally the kid(s) identified would also be those kids who have been identified by their teacher (or school) as likely to benefit from learning an instrument. Maybe kids who are struggling a bit at school, or kids for whom English isn't a first language, kids who help to care for a sibling or parent, etc etc.
I have looked at costings, and per child, the cost would range from between $4,900 and $6,100 per year. If the lower amount was reached, I would be prepared to donate my lesson time free of charge (usually $50/hour). These costs would include:
1. Instrument hire - this includes instrument itself, a hard case to keep it in, cleaning gear, electronic metronome (+battery), and music stand;
2. Annual service for instrument
3. Music books & other educational materials
4. Laptop and internet connection if not available - both of these are essential for exposure to styles of music, practice assignments, etc
5. Peripheral items to assist in lesson participation - for example, a sandwich or similar for a snack before the lesson (if needed), taxi fares to and from lessons (if needed). These items would be on an as-needs basis - for example, I wouldn't want a kid to miss out because their only parent works and can't drive them to their lesson. I also would hate to think that a child wouldn't be able to concentrate fully in their lesson because they hadn't had enough to eat. This stuff would be determined by discussion with the teacher and parent(s).
6. Lessons - as I said, if the higher amount wasn't reached, I would be prepared to give this for free.
I've missed the window of opportunity to do this for 2015, but I am very keen to set this up for 2016. Apart from getting in touch with the local school next year, I'm keen to look at effective ways to set this up through a platform such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter - preferably Indiegogo, as they give you the funding achieved, even if you don't reach the full target amount.
Anyway, I would be very interested in your feedback, whether it's about my idea or about crowdfunding generally. And thank you for making it this far through my novel of a post!!
Do any of you have any experience with crowdfunding? I am considering setting up a funding approach to give at-risk kids the chance to learn to play the flute.
Background: I teach the flute. I've set up a (part-time) business as a sole trader, and I meet all the business and associated requirements (eg. I have a working with children card, public liability insurance, etc etc etc).
In WA, all children in the public education system are tested in Year 4 for musical aptitude. Those who demonstrate above a particular level of aptitude are offered the chance to learn a musical instrument, which is subsidised through the WA Ed Dept.
I personally believe that aptitude is only one aspect that should be considered when it comes to music. Interest is really a key issue - if the child is interested, they should have the chance to learn an instrument. This is where the WA Ed Dept falls down - I should add that it does need to be able to draw the line somewhere, but I do feel that there are kids who would really benefit, who currently do miss out.
I've been thinking lately about giving kids who don't meet this level of aptitude a chance to learn to play the flute, through teaching them myself. This would be done in conjunction with the child's teacher, principal and music teacher (if there is one), so as to identify those children who didn't meet the WA Ed Dept SIMS aptitude level (and so didn't qualify for the music program), and don't already learn an instrument outside of school.
Ideally the kid(s) identified would also be those kids who have been identified by their teacher (or school) as likely to benefit from learning an instrument. Maybe kids who are struggling a bit at school, or kids for whom English isn't a first language, kids who help to care for a sibling or parent, etc etc.
I have looked at costings, and per child, the cost would range from between $4,900 and $6,100 per year. If the lower amount was reached, I would be prepared to donate my lesson time free of charge (usually $50/hour). These costs would include:
1. Instrument hire - this includes instrument itself, a hard case to keep it in, cleaning gear, electronic metronome (+battery), and music stand;
2. Annual service for instrument
3. Music books & other educational materials
4. Laptop and internet connection if not available - both of these are essential for exposure to styles of music, practice assignments, etc
5. Peripheral items to assist in lesson participation - for example, a sandwich or similar for a snack before the lesson (if needed), taxi fares to and from lessons (if needed). These items would be on an as-needs basis - for example, I wouldn't want a kid to miss out because their only parent works and can't drive them to their lesson. I also would hate to think that a child wouldn't be able to concentrate fully in their lesson because they hadn't had enough to eat. This stuff would be determined by discussion with the teacher and parent(s).
6. Lessons - as I said, if the higher amount wasn't reached, I would be prepared to give this for free.
I've missed the window of opportunity to do this for 2015, but I am very keen to set this up for 2016. Apart from getting in touch with the local school next year, I'm keen to look at effective ways to set this up through a platform such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter - preferably Indiegogo, as they give you the funding achieved, even if you don't reach the full target amount.
Anyway, I would be very interested in your feedback, whether it's about my idea or about crowdfunding generally. And thank you for making it this far through my novel of a post!!