I long have wanted to hold a studio benefit recital for any number of causes, but always felt that engaging my students in service of my personal ideals was unprofessional. However, last January I realized that the pandemic united all of us, and I decided to hold my first benefit recital -  for COVID Relief. It was a wonderful success on so many levels that I highly recommend to other teachers.

A good first decision was to form a committee with two long-time parents of my studio. This way decisions were not unilateral and were approved by others. I also made it clear that participation in the event was optional. 

The event was held on my Zoom account, and a student’s father functioned as my behind-the-scenes co-host. This way I could concentrate on presenting while he admitted audience members and kept them muted! In addition, if I had internet problems, he could easily take over the event. Thankfully none occurred. 

We selected two loyal organizations to receive our donations: Belmont Helps and The Chelsea Brigade. The recital was preceded by an inspiring 5-minute PowerPoint given by a volunteer describing the situation in Chelsea and how our donations would help. Friends, grandparents, and colleagues attended, my students played with full hearts and the donations flowed in.

We raised over $4000. Father Edmund, who founded the Chelsea Brigade, reportedly had tears in his eyes when he saw the carloads full of much-needed food and other essentials. Just as important, my students were thrilled to see how their music could effect a huge difference in people's lives. 

This April I am holding a similar event with RefugePoint, an NGO that is helping resettle Afghan evacuees in the US. Almost all of my students are participating and are excited to be part of this event.. It’s a win-win-win -  for me, my students, and for the world. 

Nina Grimaldi has a home studio in Belmont, MA