Music at Kohl Mansion

Education & Outreach News

The education and outreach programs of Music at Kohl Mansion serve students, teachers, and families in San Mateo County through enlivening interactive presentations by professional musicians to enrich education, inspire understanding, and enhance community. Since the program’s inception 35 years ago, over 120,000 kids have experienced MAKM programs, and our impact grows every year.

Music in Schools

The 2023-24 school year connected Music at Kohl Mansion (MAKM) with students throughout San Mateo County

- 8,000+ students participated
- 35+ K-5 interactive assemblies
- 35+ free coachings and master classes provided to middle and high school ensembles
- 220 instruments donated to area music programs August 2024

Our theme, “Music is a Superpower!” was eagerly embraced by musicians and students alike!

Looking ahead, we are building on this season's momentum with plans to introduce our programming to more schools on the Peninsula, because music truly is a superpower!

Instrument Adoption

On August 20, 2024, Music at Kohl's Education & Outreach team welcomed music teachers representing 19 schools to the Kohl Mansion for our annual Instrument Adoption Event.

Teachers networked, enjoyed a performance by pianist Dr. Bryan Baker, and were able to adopt much-needed instruments for their students. Over 220 instruments were gifted, including violins, violas, clarinets, mandolins, keyboards, recorders, drums, and trombones. If you have an instrument that needs a new chapter, donate it to Music at Kohl, and we will find a home for it in a San Mateo County school music program. Start here by filling out our Instrument Donation Form

Carlmont High School Awarded

Music at Kohl Mansion's Annual Anneke Gaenslen Platinum Partner Award

MAKM presented its 3rd annual Platinum Partner Award to Carlmont High School for the 2023-24 school year. The award is named for MAKM Music in Schools program founder, Anneke Gaenslen, and recognizes exceptional collaboration and dedication to bringing music enrichment programming into the partner school. The award was presented on stage to Carlmont's Instrumental Music faculty, Brian Switzer and Jordan Webster during a sold-out spring concert at the school. Brian and Jordan have worked with us to bring their students the full range of MAKM’s offerings, master classes, main-stage artists, and instrumental coaching for their orchestras and bands. It has been a pleasure working with Carlmont's Music Department, and MAKM looks forward to many future collaborations. Congratulations Carlmont!

Music at Kohl in the Community

Every year, Music at Kohl Mansion collaborates with community partners from the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, the San Mateo Public Library, and the Palo Alto City Library to bring classical music into the community. This past year, we produced eight concerts with these partners, presenting mainstage artists, local ensembles, and special collaborations.

Last season, we added two new partners!

- The Community Foundation of San Carlos granted us funds to deliver three school engagements in their elementary school district. Students at White Oaks, Mariposa, and Brittan Acres enjoyed a visit from Grupo Falso Baiano, a quartet specializing in Brazilian Choro Music. Read more about the partnership here.

- HIP Housing, in partnership with Dragonfly Community Arts, invited us to bring music to two affordable housing senior residences. More than 70 residents enjoyed a visit from Grupo Falso Baiano. We are delighted by the opportunities that these partnerships bring to expand the reach and impact of our music outreach programming and look to grow our presence in San Mateo County every year.

Free Public Master Classes with Young Chamber Musicians

BEFORE EVERY MUSIC AT KOHL CONCERT

Partners in music education since early 2011, Young Chamber Musicians and Music at Kohl Mansion offer a series of free public master classes at 5 pm prior to chamber concerts each season. Patrons may watch musicians in the making as our distinguished concert artists coach and mentor advanced student players in the intimate setting of the Kohl Mansion Library.

How to Get Involved

VOLUNTEERS WELCOME

Our enthusiastic team of volunteers helps facilitate the many school and community programs Music at Kohl provides. We are always looking for people who believe in the power of music to change young lives and who enjoy contributing to their community in a fun and collaborative way. Please reach out to Associate Director Molly Reidy by phone or email to learn more. 650.762.1130 or [email protected]

SUPPORT MUSIC EDUCATION

Through fundraising support, Music at Kohl offers subsidized free or affordable education and outreach programs, especially to underserved populations, while paying our artists a fair wage. Each year we touch the lives of over 8,000 students and families; donations from our generous community members make that possible. Please consider a gift today

Click to Contribute to Music Education

Looking Ahead: the 42nd Season of Music at Kohl

The 42nd Season of the Music at Kohl Mansion main-stage series opens Sunday, October 20th. The season offers 8 renowned chamber ensembles from 6 nations: 4 string quartets, 3 piano trios, and 1 choral ensemble; 4 are Music at Kohl debuts, and 4 are returning favorites. Season subscriptions and single tickets are available here.

Most of our visiting ensembles also have the opportunity for school visits, free community concerts, public library performances, and master classes. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19th at 3 p.m. to hear the Borromeo String Quartet perform a free outreach program at the Palo Alto City Library.

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