eNewsletter December 2025

Dear Friend of the Pratt Music Foundation,

We make an agreement with each of our scholars: each one of them agrees to faithfully attend their lessons, practice, be prepared, and make progress through the course of the year. On our side, we agree to fund their instruction (it’s about $1250 for the year), and do whatever else we can to help them succeed. The Music Shoppe In Normal provides them with their sheet music at no charge. Our partner organization Share The Music provides no-cost instrument loans for the year. 

This year (2025-2026) we have 35 Pratt Music Scholars ranging in age from 7 to 18. (Second Grade) through 18 (High School Senior). They come from Unit 5, District 87, University High School, private schools, and home school environments. They are studying piano, violin, viola, cello, and one is studying bass.

Our commitment covers more than just lessons. This year, we supported three high school age scholars attending the on-campus Illinois Chamber Music Festival at Illinois Wesleyan: almost three weeks of intensive (and transformative) chamber music training, including coaching rehearsal, master classes, and recitals.

Our scholars express their appreciation with Thank You Notes, and it’s gratifying to see how this instruction touches their lives.

As we look back on this past year, one truth stands out clearly: talented young musicians in our community continue to flourish because caring people like you believe in them. Their progress — in confidence, skill, and imagination — is the direct result of your support.

We are writing today to ask you to renew your commitment to these students.

Your gift —any amount meaningful to you — goes entirely toward student scholarships. Every dollar makes a difference.

Thank you for your past support for the young musicians of McLean County. Together, we are opening doors — and creating music that lasts a lifetime.

2025-2026 Piano Scholar