Richmond music nonprofit seeks to expand access to music education with fundraiser

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A Richmond music nonprofit organization is seeking to break down the barriers that prevent students from accessing music by now inviting the public to join the cause this November.

“If I could say one thing to any person that's creating or allowing these opportunities to happen, I would just say thank you," said Ridgely Carter, a mother to 3rd-grade student Langston
Carter, who is enrolled in the violin lesson program run by a local music nonprofit, Music Orchard Richmond at Peter Paul RVA. "I would say that I don't think people really realize how much this experience will change or affect the child for so many years later. Sometimes you don't always get to see it, but know that it is changing lives and it's inspiring a lot of students and children that you don't even know.”

Elizabeth Kilpatrick, the Executive Director of Music Orchard Richmond, said their goal is to make high-quality music education more inclusive to all students -- regardless of income or background.

"There's a real hunger for music learning," Kilpatrick said, explaining that music builds community and breeds creativity. She emphasized that 34 students applied for eight spots in one of their programs.

Since Kilpatrick took over as executive director three years ago, signaling new leadership, she said this upcoming fundraising event, "Play It Forward," seeks to promote "the power of music," the flyer reads. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Triple Crossing Brewery in Fulton Hull.

The nonprofit is working to prevent music from being one of the programs from being cut when budgets get tight, according to Kilpatrick.

Play It Forward Flyer (Photo: Music Orchard Richmond/Get Social RVA)

"Thank you for the things this program has done. I've had a lot of fun. I've learned a lot of things, and it has helped me," said Qmaya-Leigh Owens, a fourth-grade student, enrolled in the violin lesson program run by Music Orchard Richmond at Peter Paul RVA. "When I'm having bad days and I come to my violin program, it makes me feel better. There was this one day recently where I was having a really bad day, and I didn't really mean anything, but when I came to violin, I left really happy. I noticed that the violin program helped me cope with my emotions.”

According to the Music Orchard Richmond impact report for 2024 to 2025, the music nonprofit delivered 148 one-hour coaching sessions to Richmond Public Schools and Chesterfield County Public Schools music programs, which were free to students. It also served over 120 students across all programs from 2024 to 2025 -- a 150% increase from the previous year.

Kilpatrick said Music Orchard Richmond has faced several obstacles that have been keeping students away from music education, which include music lessons costing $200 monthly, transportation, access to instruments and the teacher shortage.

"Parents shouldn’t have to choose between paying the electric bill and enrolling their child in music lessons," Kilpatrick said. "Every family should be able to access both — because music isn’t a luxury. It’s a human right."

The upcoming fundraising event -- also open to the public -- aims to shed light on the impact music education has on students, with Kilpatrick recalling how Alexander, a second-grade student, asked if he could donate $94 from his savings to the Music Orchard Richmond programs.

"[Music] is a safe outlet for self-expression [and] provides academic impact," Kilpatrick said.

The event serves as a way to expand access to music education for Richmond's kids and feature a raffle and silent auction, as well as performances from students and local Richmond artists.

According to a social post from the nonprofit, every ticket supports free music education in the Richmond area.

(Photo: Music Orchard Richmond/Get Social RVA)

(Photo: Music Orchard Richmond/Get Social RVA)

(Photo: Music Orchard Richmond/Get Social RVA)

Kilpatrick said the impact music education has on students' academics is significant. Students in the nonprofit's Peter Paul music program scored 20% higher in ELA and 15% higher in math than peers, per the impact report for the previous year.

She further emphasized the importance of paying teachers equitable wages, explaining that Music Orchard Richmond only hires from the Richmond area.

"Families with fewer financial resources often can’t afford music programs — and schools in those same neighborhoods are usually the first to lose music funding," Kilpatrick said. "Yet research shows that investing in music helps improve academic outcomes and attendance."