Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids Scholarship

What is LINKS?

LINKS stands for Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids.

The LINKS program brings together the desire of young students who want to learn to play an instrument and used instruments that others have no current use for. Through LINKS, you can donate your used instrument to a promising young musician who cannot afford to rent or purchase one of their own.

The program began as a project of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Alumni Board in partnership with Buddy Roger’s Music, also of Cincinnati. It started as an idea to fulfill a need that had been identified in the music programs of area schools.

The need was for a way to supply instruments to students whose parents were not able to buy, rent or borrow an instrument so that their child could participate in the beginning band or orchestra program.

The solution was somewhat simple – a recycling program for musical instruments!

Around the Northwest Florida area, there are hundreds and perhaps thousands of instruments going unused in homes everywhere. They are hidden away in the back of a closet, up in the attic, under the bed, in the basement and even mounted on a wall as a decoration. LINKS wants and needs those instruments.

They may not look like much when they are donated but they provide hidden treasures. Sometimes they arrive in pieces; sometimes they’re ready to play; some instruments are very old with years of use; some are newer with lots of notes left in them; whatever the shape of the instrument, it can help provide an opportunity for a needy student.

The donated instruments are refurbished by repair technicians at Playground Music Center. They are evaluated, repaired, sanitized, and put in good playing condition -- ready to be placed in the hands of an eager student.

As classes begin each Fall, a few students do not have instruments. These are students that have demonstrated an aptitude for music and the desire to learn. They sit silently while their classmates start making their very first sounds.

When the music teacher identifies a need, the LINKS program comes to life to complete the recycling program. An instrument is matched to the request and delivered to school to start a new life in the hands of a very happy, young student.

Music is not just a fun activity. Researchers are providing us with an unprecedented understanding of how we think and how we learn. The research has confirmed what we have always known -- that music and the arts are a vital part of a complete education.

Asking people to donate an instrument they once played is the hardest part of the program. Music is powerful and provides good memories. To part with a piece of that memory is asking a lot.

But an instrument sitting idle in the corner is nothing more than a piece of wood or metal that has been machined, carved, drilled, bent, and cut into interesting shapes. Put these instruments into young, eager hands, and they spring to life again as a musical instrument. They can become the hopes and dreams and begin producing lasting memories for a whole new generation.

And in addition to the satisfaction you'll get from knowing that someone will benefit musically from your gift, you can receive a tax deduction for your donation.

I would like to donate an instrument to LINKS. What do I need to do?

If you would like to donate an instrument to the LINKS program, just stop by either one of Playground Music Center’s two locations in Fort Walton Beach or Panama City and a sales associate will be able to assist you with the donation process.

The LINKS Program accepts the following instruments for donations, regardless of condition: Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Baritone Horns, Tubas, French Horns, Cornets, Violins, Violas, Cellos, String Basses, Tubas, Drums, Bells, Accordions, Guitars, and Electronic Keyboards. We are not able to accept pianos and home organs. Your instrument will be processed by a Playground Music Center repair technicians and distributed to a needy child. Once donated, the LINKS of Northwest Florida Project will not be able to provide donors with specific information about their instrument.

I think my child would be a good candidate for the LINKS Program, what do I need to do?

Only your school's band director can submit a scholarship form for the LINK's Program. If you don't think you can afford the monthly lease rates of an instrument, talk to your school's band director and he/she will be able to assist you.

If they are not familiar with the LINKS program, please have them contact Playground Music Center at 800-578-4641 or visit http://www.Playground-Music.biz/t-links.aspx for more info. The LINKS Scholarship form cannot be completed by a student or parent.  

Band Directors...Get the form here

We are always looking for new instruments. Please help if you can.
Call (850) 243-2514 and ask for Tony Leonard.

LINKS NWF
99 Eglin Pkwy NE Suite 1B
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
links@playground-music.biz