Graduate Recital: The Gift of Music

I'm Ben Kolot, a pianist finishing my Certificate in Piano Performance at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. On Sunday, November 15 I'll play my final recital at Hamilton Hall, and I'd like to make it a special afternoon of music.

I'm partnering with Parlando School of Musical Arts in Boulder, in order to make an ongoing impact in the lives of people who have not been as fortunate as many of us. Parlando is Colorado's largest music education nonprofit, and one in five of their students receives tuition assistance to make it easier for them to pursue their musical passions.

Earlier this year Parlando started offering piano lessons directly to Boulder's affordable housing communities. Parlando's partnership with Boulder Housing Partners addresses the two primary obstacles facing too many Colorado families: affordability and transportation. Families pay what they can, and donations and grants to Parlando cover the rest. This is a scholarship-based program, and every donation makes a real difference.

My goal is to raise $5,000. This translates to roughly 125 lessons, or three kids kept at the piano for a full school year.

This effort is personal for me. I grew up with a single mother and money was always tight. Piano lessons weren't something we could really afford; they were something my family made room for. My grandmother was the one who drove me and sat through every practice session because my mom was always working — and with her help I was able to keep studying music, even through my college years.

Music gave me more than an instrument. It gave me a place I belonged, a way to push myself, and a community I'm still part of today. I wouldn't be who I am, or where I am, without those years at the piano.

Here's how it breaks down:

$40: one lesson
$160: a month of weekly lessons
$480: a full semester of weekly lessons
$2,000: a year of piano lessons for one student who otherwise wouldn't have this opportunity

Sunday, November 15, 4:30pm
Frederic C. Hamilton Family Recital Hall
Newman Center for the Performing Arts
2344 E. Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80208

Parking: a paid garage sits just south of the building ($12, opens 90 minutes before the performance), and there is free street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Come if you can — I'd love to have you there. But please give either way. Suggested donation $5-30.

All contributions go to Parlando School of Musical Arts through ColoradoGives.

Thank you for making this dream a reality for more children in our community!