Our Story

In the summer of 2019, our founder and Executive Director Sara Maria Blanton bought 12 violins out of pocket and approached local non-profit, Refugee Hope Partners, with a dream: to start a free violin class for any interested elementary students. She had worked in El Sistema inspired music programs since 2016 and hoped to find a way to combine her private lessons studio and work with Refugee Hope Partners into one El Sistema inspired nonprofit.

Since then, Raleigh Music Collective has grown from the first 12 kids to over 100 in both private lessons, group classes, ensemble rehearsals, and camps. The program aims to actively integrate diverse Raleigh communities through music education by offering lessons and group classes to those who can afford tuition as well as those who need financial assistance.

In December of 2019 at our first Winter Showcase, students from the refugee community as well as our private lessons studio all joined together to put on a fantastic evening of celebration and music. That truly set the tone for the program and cast a vision for a textured music program that gives young musicians the chance to meet, collaborate, and grow with children from different backgrounds, races, and experiences.

We currently offer in person classes in partnership with with Refugee Hope Partners, twice a week zoom classes for intermediate and advanced violinists and violists, private lessons, monthly group classes and ensemble rehearsals affectionately called “Squad Saturday”, and music camps that run during the summer and school year.

Our Mission

Through weekly instruction, both in one-on-one and group settings, we offer students rigorous music education that will transform their lives into ones filled with hope, creativity, and joy!

Our Vision

To foster a diverse musical community of musicians to pursue a life filled with creativity and collaboration.