Newport String Project

Access to sustained, high-quality music education can be out of reach for many young people—particularly programs that emphasize mentorship, consistency, and community alongside musical skill. Newport String Project (NSP) addresses this gap by offering young musicians not only instruction, but long-term relationships that nurture growth, confidence, and connection through music.

Twelve years ago, NSP’s youth program began as a twice-weekly group class serving 21 students learning violin and viola. Today, the organization is led by four resident musicians—the Newport String Quartet—who provide individual and group instruction in violin, viola, and cello to more than 40 students across multiple teaching sites. With support from the White Family Foundation, NSP has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while staying rooted in the relationships that define its mission.

Those relationships are evident in the milestones students reach along the way. This spring, two of NSP’s original 21 students—along with three others—graduated from high school after learning and performing with the program since first grade. Over the years, NSP mentors have supported them not only as musicians, but as young people navigating school, personal growth, and future aspirations. That guidance has helped students develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, including assisting one graduate in earning a scholarship to continue studying music.

Beyond technical instruction, NSP students come to understand the broader power of music—how it can connect people, strengthen community, and create shared moments of meaning. One graduating senior reflected on the lasting impact of their experience:

“The thing that will stay with me the most from NSP is how music can act as a bridge for community connection. No matter my skill level, what kept me coming back to practices were the wonderful people and fun moments.”

For many students, these moments deepen over time as they begin to see how their music affects others. Performing for neighbors, community members, and audiences they may never meet personally reinforces the idea that their voices—and their contributions—matter.

“Soon I also recognized the effect that my playing had on others… to be approached and told that my playing was appreciated was beyond impactful.”

Stories like these underscore the importance of long-term, relationship-centered arts education. NSP’s model allows students to grow alongside trusted mentors, discovering both their musical abilities and their capacity to connect with others through creative expression.

The White Family Foundation’s support has been instrumental in making this work possible. By investing in program sustainability and long-term mentorship, the Foundation helps ensure that NSP can continue building the relationships that have the greatest impact—relationships that empower young musicians to find their voice, connect with their community, and carry the lessons of music with them long after graduation.

Through partnerships like this, music becomes more than instruction—it becomes a lifelong bridge to confidence, connection, and belonging.

More Articles

Artistic Impact