Upper Valley Music Center

The Upper Valley Music Center (UVMC) is a notable community music school located in Lebanon, New Hampshire. It caters to a diverse student body of over 1,200 individuals annually from the Upper Valley region, which spans across Vermont and New Hampshire. Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, UVMC is dedicated to fostering a love for music and providing comprehensive music education to students of all ages, from infants to adults, including seniors. UVMC was founded in 1995 by a trio of community members who recognized the need for a regional organization that would promote musical activities for individuals at all levels of experience. These founders were already engaged with the Carnegie Chamber players and were inspired by the outreach program's success to create a center for musical gathering and learning. The center's mission encompasses three key objectives: to establish instrumental and vocal ensembles where none previously existed, to act as a hub for information on local musical organizations and activities, and to offer a space for communal musical development and enjoyment. Over the years, UVMC has expanded its offerings and reach. In 2002, it introduced a Suzuki violin program, which applies the Suzuki method's philosophy of teaching music in a manner akin to how children learn their native language. The program's success led to UVMC's official recognition as a community music school in 2008, further expanding its curriculum to include individual lessons, group classes, ensembles, and workshops. In a significant development for the organization, UVMC's Board of Directors initiated the "Securing Our Future: The Campaign for a Home for Music Education" in 2017. This campaign aimed to establish a permanent location for the center. Thanks to overwhelming community support, UVMC acquired and refurbished the historic Kendrick-Wood House in downtown Lebanon, which opened its doors on September 9, 2017, with a grand opening celebration. UVMC's commitment to music education was further exemplified in May 2018 when it hosted "Sing & Play 50k," a musical marathon that featured 50,000 seconds of continuous music to support music education. The event was not only a fundraiser, collecting over $100,000 from more than 1,000 donors, but also a celebration of communal music-making. The Upper Valley Music Center prides itself on its expert faculty, many of whom are professional musicians with advanced degrees and professional certifications. They are dedicated to teaching and regularly perform in the Upper Valley area, contributing to the region's vibrant musical community. UVMC's students, who hail from a wide geographic area, benefit from a variety of programs, including early childhood education, individual lessons, group classes, ensembles, summer camps, and workshops. The organization also administers over $20,000 in tuition assistance annually, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede access to music education. UVMC's programs cover a range of musical genres and instruments, and it houses a growing music library with a focus on chamber music, orchestra, and choral repertoire. The center also fosters partnerships with over 35 organizations, extending the reach of music education beyond the classroom and into the broader community. In summary, the Upper Valley Music Center stands as a pillar of the Upper Valley's cultural landscape, providing invaluable music education and ensemble opportunities, and enriching the lives of its residents through the universal language of music.