Lisa Bianconi

Music as a means to help kids see their worth

A music teacher discusses her philosophy of teaching — and what her career means to her

In 1985, I began my career as music director at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, a charitable home and school serving children at risk or in need.

After 28 years, I still feel the same passion and motivation as the day I started. Every day, this work underscores my belief that, as a music educator, I am helping to improve lives and make the world a better place.

For students at Kurn Hattin, music is a powerful gift. Many have experienced unspeakable tragedy, poverty, homelessness, abuse, or neglect. Music provides a way to reach out and bring them into the fold, a chance for them to express their pain, to share their joy, and to know they have worth and that they are not alone.

I believe that every child should feel special and important: To many of our students, academic success is a stranger. Music helps them shine in ways they never knew they could.

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