“I’m a single mother of four kids, aged 15 and younger,” relates Sharyn Hobbs, “and as much as I’d like to provide them with an opportunity for private music lessons, it just doesn’t fit my limited budget. The SUCCESS Arts Scholarship Program has been a godsend. The difference it’s made in the lives of my Rebecca and Amelia has been nothing short of amazing!”
The SUCCESS Arts program is the brainchild of Tabitha Tolbert-Marsh, a musician in her own right, and an active member of Christ Episcopal Church here in Madison. “I just saw there was a need,” explains Tabitha, “to help students who couldn’t afford it realize their dream of playing an instrument. We did the pilot program back in 2024 with just a couple of kids, and it was such a hit we have expanded it to 11 students this year.
“It’s a fairly simple program,” Tabitha continues. “We collect money through donations, and then we connect worthy students with an appropriate music teacher. We pay the cost of lessons from the accumulated funds. We are 100% donation supported, so if anyone out there wants to help the cause, just go to ChristMadison.org/success and click on the red DONATE button. It’s easy, and it can make such a big impact on the lives of these kids.
“I very much view music as a medium for healing and building community. It’s so important for the health of our town and our young people. It’s so rewarding to see people inspired by art and the difference it can make. I feel like we are filling the pipeline of future musicians in Madison.”
“My children just love it, “ adds Sharyn. “Normally when it comes to music lessons you have to bug your kids to practice, but not with this program. My kids are fired up and passionate about the experience, and they look forward to practicing on their own and attending the personalized lessons. And then eventually, once they got good enough to participate in the public recitals, it’s really hard to describe the change I’ve seen in my girls. They went from being shy and somewhat afraid in public to being confident and outgoing up on that stage in front of an audience. Plus, they’ve made so many new friends through the program. I’m just so happy we got involved.”
Tabitha continues, “In addition to the recitals about twice a year, we also give the kids a chance to come to Christ Episcopal and play a song when they feel ready. Plus, we are starting a 4th Friday Open Mic opportunity at The Drake on Mulberry Street, next door in their family-friendly restaurant area. It’s a comfortable, no-pressure place where kids and adults can try out their skills in front of a very small and friendly audience.
“My long-term goal for the program is to grow and touch the lives of dozens or even hundreds of kids over time. Some day in the future I’d love to see the town full of local bands made up of former SUCCESS Arts students who got their start in our program and went on to become skilled with their music. If we can build a strong base of donation support, there’s no limit to what we can achieve over time. I’m very excited about the potential of the program.”
If you’d like to support the program, you can donate, as described above, or you can attend a special concert this Saturday, August 2nd, at Timeless LIVE, downtown in the old Masonic building, from 5 to 11PM. The show is titled “Harmonizing the Future: Women in Music” and it features 5 sets of female-led music. You can buy tickets at the door or on MadTixEvents.com.
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
OK, I’m gonna go quick so I can fit all my recommendations for the week. On Friday the Jazz Trio at Vintage Lanes is amazing. Anthony and Hannah at 1st Saloon will be intimate and special. On Saturday you have the famous annual Toga Party at Thomas Family, Rusty is playing at Mad Paddle, Robby Cox is a must see at The Drake, and the Dixon’s Violin show at Red Bicycle Hall will be unlike anything you’ve seen or heard before. It’s experimental, it’s layered, and it is definitely NOT classical. Check it out, you won’t regret it. Finally, on Sunday, Erik Brunner at Rivertown Grill will just be friendly and familiar and a super way to round out the weekend before the work week starts again. So many shows! Make a commitment to see at least one or two … do your part to support Indiana’s Music City.
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