Palm Springs International Piano Competition

Waring International Piano Competition dba Palm Springs International Piano Competition (PSIPC) has created an educational outreach program to provide access to music for underserved schools throughout the Coachella Valley. It is crucial that all students are able to engage in music and specifically, to have access to keyboards to learn basic piano. During our 2022-23 fiscal year (ended June 30), PSIPC provided instruction to three elementary schools. The 2023-24 fiscal year plan more than triples that number.

PSIPC requested funding for keyboard carrying cases and ancillary keyboard equipment. With Anderson Children’s Foundation’s support, we will be able to easily move keyboards and allow multiple programs to run simultaneously. Previously, we offered instruction to one school at a time and left the keyboards on site. The enhanced portability aspect will allow us to offer instruction to two different schools during the eight-week instruction period. Additionally, headphones will allow students to practice without hearing other students. This allows better focus and a keener understanding of their notes and sound structure.

Equipment will be purchased during Summer 2023. When the school year commences, PSIPC will be positioned to offer instruction to multiple schools beginning with Roosevelt and Earhart elementary schools in the Desert Sands Unified School District. Following the eight-week sessions at those schools, we will begin a program at St. Margaret’s for low income children.