You don’t often see the word “free” associated with music lessons, but at Spokane Public Library, free is the name of the game. For more than eight years, the library has offered free music lessons to the community, helping aspiring musicians discover the joy of playing music.
In recent years, booking a lesson has become difficult due to popularity. Recognizing the need to expand access, Music Education Specialist Andy Rumsey began looking for ways to grow the program beyond what one instructor could provide.
That search led to a partnership with the Future Song Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to music education and instruments for young people and individuals in need. The foundation, founded by Spokane natives Myles Kennedy and Selena Kennedy, awarded the library a $13,500 grant beginning in 2024. Since then, the partnership has transformed the scope of the library’s music lessons.
Before the grant, the library offered 257 music lessons in 2023. With the support of the Future Song Foundation, by 2025, the program offered nearly 1,000 lessons. “For the past three years, we have proudly supported the library’s grant request to provide free weekend music lessons because it strongly aligns with our mission to expand equitable access to high-quality music education for all,” said Selena Kennedy. “Public libraries are uniquely positioned as welcoming, community-centered spaces that reduce many of the traditional barriers to arts participation.”
The grant funding allowed the library to hire an additional part-time music educator and expand the program to include weekend music lessons, making it easier for students and families to participate.
Experienced instructors Andy Rumsey and Jason Perry focus on cultivating confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music in every student they teach.
“I incorporate music theory into all my lessons, so that the students learn the fundamentals along with the joy of music,” said Andy Rumsey.
The inspiration behind the Future Song Foundation comes from the founders’ shared belief in the transformative power of music. Myles Kennedy knows that impact firsthand. Best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Alter Bridge, he has spent decades performing around the world.
“Music is a very powerful medium that can have a profound impact on a person’s life,” said Myles Kennedy. “Our goal is to help ensure anyone can experience the joy and satisfaction of learning to play an instrument if it’s something they aspire to do. Ultimately, that benefits the community as well as the individual.”
Selena Kennedy added, “This reinforces our belief that music education should not be a privilege, but an opportunity available to anyone with the desire to learn an instrument.”
You can take free music lessons too!
- Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during open hours at Central Library
- Lesson instruments: guitar, bass, drum, piano, ukulele
