The Bluegrass Music Association of Iowa has partnered with The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation to implement a regional, licensed affiliate for the foundation’s Play It Forward! program. It sets up a musical instrument lending library and helps match young students of bluegrass with mentors that will help them progress on their chosen instrument.
Young pickers (8-21 years old) can check an instrument out at no charge for renewable one year terms, provided they are working with a teacher or a mentor, and keep the instrument in good shape. At whatever point they are ready to obtain an instrument of their own, the borrowed one is returned to the library. A fund to provide periodic maintenance will be established as part of Play It Forward! at BMAI.
Though there is no financial or administrative connection between the Bluegrass Association of Iowa and the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation, the Association will follow the guidelines and curriculum established by BHF for Play It Forward!
To fund their program, BMAI is asking for assistance from the bluegrass community in Iowa and beyond. They need serviceable bluegrass instruments for their library, and teachers across the state willing to work with young students. Of course, cash is always welcome to obtain and repair instruments.
Anyone interested in donations, or would like to learn more about the program, is asked to contact Lori King at the Association by email or phone (641-799-1442).
