Grove Hall Branch Librarian Guy Harris tests a Smart Piano near the library’s entrance. Photos by Summer LaRose.
By Daniela Ginsburg
Special to the Reporter
Six electric “smart pianos” have been installed across four Boston Public Library (BPL) locations, including two in Grove Hall and one in Lower Mills. They are part of the Keys of Inspiration program created by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, which was established by the classical pianist Lang Lang.
The foundation aims to help create the next generation of musicians while also fostering an appreciation for the arts.
The BPL is the first public library to participate in the program, which uses an app to teach children to play the piano. In addition to the three in the Dorchester branches, two pianos are in place in Hyde Park, and one is sited at the Central Library in Copley Square.
The foundation launched its classroom piano program in 2013 at the Orchard Gardens School and the Boston Arts Academy. The BPL partnership, which began over six months ago, continues the initiative to support students outside of school and bring music education to different parts of the city.
Users download the ONE smart piano app onto iPads, which connect to the electric piano using LED lights for each key. The program guides them through video demonstrations of the pieces they want to learn, advancing to different levels as they develop their skills.
The tablets appeal to younger people who are used to screens said Melissa Andrews, chief of collection management at the BPL, who added: “I think people are looking for a really tactile experience to touch things that aren’t screens, and I think music is sort of like that.”
TheONE Smart Piano located in the children’s section of the Boston Public Library’s Grove Hall branch. Photo by Summer LaRose.
While the program is aimed at young children and teens, she said, adults have been using the pianos, too.
“I hope somebody really discovers something new about themselves,” Andrews said. “I hope somebody discovers a new outlet for creativity or expression, or just discovers the joy of learning new things.” \
The Keys of Inspiration program – which focuses on Title 1 schools that receive federal financial assistance — has expanded to 107 schools in the United States and Europe, and more than 200 in China, said Program Manager Dan Mack.
“Music education checks many boxes by providing an outlet for students to thrive through developing their motor skills, mental growth and spiritual well-being,” he said. “This is not meant to replace a human teacher in any way; it’s hopefully the bridge.”
Sebrena Stallworth visited the Grove Hall branch after she saw an announcement about the piano programs on Facebook. As a parent, she said she sees the program as a resource for low-income families who can’t invest in musical training for their children.
She said she hopes the library will expand its music programs to other instruments, adding that “it hopefully will draw our kids, more kids, into the library instead of on the streets, you know, doing negative things. That’s a positive impact that can have the kids in here doing something.”
This story is the product of a partnership between the Dorchester Reporter and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program.
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