A first note can change everything
KEYS provides Bridgeport students free music lessons, instruments, mentorship and performance opportunities — building confidence, creativity and brighter futures.
Why KEYS
“KEYS closes the opportunity gap in Bridgeport: free, high-quality instruction.”
- In Bridgeport, 1 in 3 students lives in poverty.
- Students in poverty are 3x more likely to fail to graduate.
- Arts access is a top indicator used to measure school/district success.
- Sources - https://www.city-data.com/poverty/poverty-Bridgeport-Connecticut.html
6800+
students served since 2004
59
teachers & paid interns
21
Bridgeport schools
100%
high school graduation rate
Our story
We started with one donated piano and a stubborn belief
In 2004, Rob Silvan began teaching piano to four students in a Bridgeport school hallway. That small beginning quickly grew into something bigger.
Today, KEYS reaches hundreds of young musicians with free instruction, instruments and opportunities to perform — while staying true to one belief: every child deserves access to music.
700+
Individual Donors
32
Institutional Foundations
7 Years
Avg Tenure
130
Students graduated since 2020
Programs
Two ways in. One community
However a young musician begins, KEYS gives them a place to learn, create and perform.
Ages 8–18
One-to-One Lessons
Free individual instrument instruction with experienced KEYS teaching artists.
Ages 6–14
Saturday Ensembles
Orchestra, concert band, jazz band and chorus bring students together to perform.
July – August · Ages 8–18
Summer learning — four weeks, one unforgettable experience
The KEYS experience
Everything a young musician needs
At KEYS, the lesson is only the beginning. Students get the support and opportunities they need to keep growing.
Free instruments
Removing financial barriers so every student has the tools they need to learn and grow
Experienced educators
Dedicated teachers who guide, encourage and inspire students throughout their musical journey
Performance opportunities
Real stages and experiences where students can perform, connect and build lasting confidence
School & community programs
Accessible music experiences that bring learning closer to students, families and their communities
Student stories
“Music is a way for me to express myself and channel my emotions.”
Terrell — Class of 2025 · Strings Academy
“KEYS gave me a place to be after school where nobody asked what my family could afford. Just what I wanted to play.”
André T. — Alumnus · KEYS teaching fellow
Life at KEYS
A year in the life of a KEYS classroom
Photographs from lessons, rehearsals, performances and community events that capture everyday life at KEYS.
Civic Hall, June
After the spring recital
How you can help
There’s a place for you in this orchestra
Supported by foundations, businesses and community partners
Upcoming events
Come hear them play
Sat 31 Oct · 6:30pm · University of Bridgeport
“Spooky” Ensembles Day & Halloween Costume Party
Our largest concert of the year, closing with every ensemble on stage together. Free for families; donations welcome at the door.
From the KEYS community
Our Students. Our Stories.
Your gift makes music possible
Put an instrument in a child’s hands
Help give another young musician free lessons, an instrument and a place to belong.