OK Cello Initiative
Expanding Access Through Music
The Oklahoma Cello Initiative exists to help remove financial barriers that may prevent students from accessing high-quality private cello instruction. Through the generosity of program supporters and community donors, the Initiative provides opportunities for deserving students to receive individualized instruction, mentorship, and support in their musical development.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that motivated students have access to meaningful musical opportunities regardless of their financial circumstances.
Who the Initiative Serves
The Oklahoma Cello Initiative is intended for students and families who would benefit from additional support in pursuing private cello study. Applications are reviewed individually, taking into consideration each student's circumstances, dedication, goals, and potential benefit from instruction.
Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Inside and outside the Kerns Cello Studio.
What Support May Include
Depending on available funding and individual circumstances, Initiative support may include:
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Reduced tuition for private cello lessons
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Assistance with lesson materials and educational resources
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Support for approved musical opportunities
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Guidance and mentorship throughout a student's musical journey
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Access to performance and studio opportunities
Support is awarded individually and may vary from student to student.
Our Philosophy
We believe that music education can positively impact confidence, discipline, creativity, and personal growth. Every student deserves the opportunity to explore their musical potential in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The Oklahoma Cello Initiative seeks to invest in students who demonstrate curiosity, commitment, and a desire to grow through music.
Application Process
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Complete the Initiative Interest Form.
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Share information about your musical background, goals, and circumstances.
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Applications are reviewed individually.
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Families may be contacted for additional information or a brief conversation.
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Support decisions are made based on available funding, demonstrated need, dedication, and overall program fit.
Important Information
The Oklahoma Cello Initiative is not a merit-based competition. Each application is considered holistically, recognizing that every student's circumstances are unique.
Funding is limited, and support cannot be guaranteed. Assistance levels may vary based on available resources and the needs of individual students.
Apply Today
If private cello instruction would make a meaningful difference in your student's musical growth, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to learning more about your goals and exploring how the Oklahoma Cello Initiative may be able to support your journey.
Our Story
Photo by Jesse Edgar Photography
The Oklahoma Cello Initiative was founded on the belief that access to quality music education should not depend on a family's financial circumstances or a student's affiliation with a particular institution, program, or organization.
I am an Oklahoma musician and educator, and my own musical education took place across multiple programs and learning environments throughout the state. Those experiences gave me the opportunity to learn from different teachers, musicians, and communities and showed me how profoundly access to music education can shape a young person's life.
They also showed me that opportunities are not always equally accessible.
Financial barriers, institutional affiliations, and the availability of particular programs can sometimes determine which opportunities are within a student's reach. As someone who benefited from multiple pathways through music education, I believe students should not have to belong to a particular institution or have specific financial resources in order to pursue meaningful musical opportunities.
Throughout my years as a performer and educator, I have seen how individualized instruction and meaningful musical experiences can build confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lifelong connection to music. I have also seen talented and motivated students face obstacles that limit their access to those experiences.
The Oklahoma Cello Initiative was created to help break down those barriers.
Rather than serving as a community school or a college-preparatory pipeline, the Initiative exists to create access. It supports students based on their individual circumstances, dedication, potential, and desire to grow—not simply on where they attend school or which musical organization they belong to.
Whether a student hopes to pursue music professionally or simply wants to develop their abilities and discover what music can offer them, they deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Through the generosity of donors and community supporters, the Oklahoma Cello Initiative works to expand access to quality cello instruction and meaningful musical opportunities across Oklahoma.
At its heart, the Initiative is about opening doors—especially for students who may not otherwise have a way through them.
I look forward to meeting each new student in our program and to follow them along their musical journey.
Warmly,
Sam Kerns