We’ve all attended concerts filled with the harmonious blend of strings, drums, winds, and more. But what we don’t often see is the effort, care, and cost that go into maintaining those instruments and supporting the musicians who play them. Even the most talented performers with top-tier instruments rely on consistent maintenance and quality resources to deliver their best on stage. For student musicians aspiring to reach those heights, access to these essentials is critical—but not always guaranteed.
Liza Villarreal, a Summer 2024 recipient of the Manilow Music Project Teacher Award at MANILOW’s The Last Tulsa Concert, knows this reality firsthand. As a string orchestra teacher at Thomas Edison Preparatory School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she works tirelessly to equip her students for success. Liza shares, “I teach string orchestra, and there are crucial accessories that come along with playing a violin, viola, cello, or string bass that are often hard to obtain with school funds.”
Unfortunately, many schools and districts struggle to provide the necessary resources to support their music programs. Without tuners, cases, shoulder rests, and other vital accessories, students face barriers to developing the skills needed to thrive as musicians. But thanks to the Manilow Music Project’s support, Liza’s orchestra program has undergone a remarkable transformation.
“My orchestra program is now stocked with shoulder rests for violins and violas, rock stops for cellos, Pops Rosin (the best of the best) for bass, and replacement strings for all instruments, turning some of our older school instruments new again,” Liza explains. These resources have not only improved the quality of her students’ music but also ensured the longevity of their instruments, which are often transported for out-of-state performances—just like touring musicians.
With the right tools and a dedicated teacher, Liza’s students now have everything they need to succeed. They’re learning valuable skills, honing their craft, and building habits that will benefit them in every area of their lives—whether they pursue professional music careers or excel in other paths.
As Liza puts it: “Finally, an orchestra cannot begin to sound good until every string on every instrument is perfectly in tune.” Her advanced orchestra students recently demonstrated their gratitude and talent in this heartfelt video: Watch the video here.
“My life, and the lives of my students, are forever changed thanks to your generosity. We are so grateful that you recognize the value of music education, especially in the public schools,” Liza shares.
The Manilow Music Project is proud to support extraordinary educators like Liza Villarreal, whose passion and dedication inspire the next generation of musicians. We can’t wait to see what she and her students accomplish in the years to come!
Donate now to help the Manilow Music Project bring music education into classrooms.
