Opening Doors to Music Education for Youth
Minding Music is a needs-based music scholarship program in East Alameda County that aims to financially support young musicians ages 5-18 as they receive an education in the musical instrument of their choice. Our program helps young musicians build skills, confidence, and a lifelong connection to music.
History
Minding Music has been helping students since its inception in 1996. Originally called the Blankenship Memorial Project. It was founded by the wife and friends of Walter Blankenship, a young amateur pianist who passed away in 1996. The program was directed by Mary Beth Cheney, a veteran music teacher in Livermore, California who operated the program with the help of the Music Teachers Association of California’s Alameda County East branch for 29 years. During those years the program served hundreds of students who benefited from the work of over 25 local teachers.
Today
Minding Music formalized its structure in 2025 by becoming its own 501C3, and bringing on Dr. Deborah McQueen to lead it into the 21st century. The goals of the organization remain the same. Minding Music serves children in Alameda County East whose parents suffer financial hardships and are unable to pay for private music lessons. The organization locates well trained, degreed teachers who are vetted on their instruments. All teachers must go through FBI fingerprint and background checks before being allowed to work with prospective students.
Student Music Programs
Students participate in enriching musical instruction designed to build technique, creativity, and confidence.
Community Music Experiences
We foster a supportive community where students and families can connect through shared musical experiences.
Student Showcases and Performances
Performance opportunities allow students to share their progress and celebrate the joy of music.
Program Offerings
Students enrolled in Minding Music benefit from private one-on-one music lessons with a qualified teacher on their desired instruments. Additionally, students receive help in locating an instrument if necessary. Summer Music Camp scholarships are made available through a lottery system.
Teachers
Teachers are selected based on their degree qualifications, certifications, accomplishments, and their professional affiliations in various music organizations, such as the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), The American College of Musicians, ABRMS, MENC, and MTNA to name a few. Teachers are the third leg of the stool in Minding Music and receive payments from both the parents and Minding Music for their work. All teachers must undergo a standard FBI background check before being allowed to teach for Minding Music.
Applications
Please contact us at DrMcQueen@MindingMusic.org
Dr. Deborah McQueen
President – Minding Music
DrMcQueen@MindingMusic.org
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