School of Music piano majors hone their teaching skills and learn valuable life lessons, preparing them for future careers. This 20-year partnership between the U, the Salt Lake City School District, and generous community supporters offers a win-win learning experience for elementary and college students alike.

Currently at four sites, the program serves approximately 150 children from grades 3-6 with 1 ½ hours of piano instruction per student per week for 28 weeks. A graduate teaching assistant leads with undergraduate student volunteers aiding them.

Backman Elementary

601 North 1500 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

“The U Piano Outreach Program is the only opportunity for our students to have piano lessons.” – Dallin Miller, assistant principal

The Piano Outreach Program has taught students at Backman Elementary School since 2010. At Backman Elementary, 90% of students' families live below the federal poverty level, 85% of student body comes from ethnically or racially diverse backgrounds, and 65% of student body are English language learners.

Graduate Instructor

Washington Elementary

420 North 200 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84103

"As both the principal and a parent of a student in the program, I am grateful for the many benefits the Piano Outreach Program provides our students.” – John Z. Kelly, principal

Thanks to generous support from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Washington Elementary’s Piano Outreach Program site was started in 2011. At Washington Elementary, more than 40% of students’ families live below the federal poverty level, 55% of student body comes from ethnically or racially diverse backgrounds, and 29% of student body are English language learners.

Graduate Instructor

Uintah Elementary

429 South 800 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84102

Our newest site, the Piano Outreach Program started teaching students at Uintah Elementary in 2016. An east side school, students receive lessons thanks to fees paid by parents.