Harmony Project Hudson (HPH)—whose mission is to provide free music lessons to youth in Columbia County—has created a summer teaching program that gives teens a way to share their knowledge and passion for music with younger students. 
 
Harmony Project alum Laila Eschel has studied the violin for several years and has been assisting HPH teachers for three years. “Watching the kids work through challenges and grow as musicians was so rewarding, and reminded me of what I love about music” she shares. “I am grateful for Harmony Project for helping me connect with violin in a new way.”   

HPH gives teaching assistants hands-on classroom experience to teach music, working alongside seasoned teachers. Assistants provide one-on-one instruction to students studying string instruments (ages 6-10) and help them prepare for their final concert. They also assist HPH teachers with theater games, choreography and art classes. Throughout the summer, they develop skills in music instruction, curriculum development, classroom management, and team building. The program’s primary goal is to further careers in music education; however, assistants gain skills and work experience valuable across all careers. 

Josh Aronson, Harmony Project’s founder and board president, sees a continuum between HPH’s original core mission of expanding youth’s access to music education, and the students who are now taking the lead in guiding the next generation of learners. “It has been one of my life's joys to witness our growth to a program now offering music, dance and theater to over 300 students through the school year and several weeks in summer. The power of our program is easy to see over time, through the maturation and blossoming of the many students who have been with us through these years.” 

Teaching Assistant Jack Silcock has been a student with Harmony Project since the 2nd grade and is interested in pursuing a career as a music educator. "Working as a TA with Harmony Project Hudson has helped me explore the possible career as a music/band teacher,” he says. “I really love sharing my love of music." 
 
Fund for Columbia County’s School-to-Work grants support innovative projects and services that support high school and college-age youth in making a successful transition from school to work.