In what regions does Kids in a New Groove serve? Kids in a New Groove serves youth in Central Texas. Please contact Program Coordinator Laura Wood at laura@kidsinanewgroove.org for more information.
Does a child have to be in foster care? Yes. The child has to be either actively in the foster care system, or recently discharged and put back into a permanent placement.
How are children accepted into the program? A child can apply through a CPS caseworker, a foster parent or biological parent, or another volunteer, such as a CASA volunteer, who is involved in working with the child.
What is the age limit? We currently provide lessons for youth in foster care that are ages 5 and older.
What type of lessons are available? We can find instructors for any type of lesson, such as voice, piano, drums, and guitar.
Are teachers background checked? Yes, all instructors have been thoroughly background checked.
Are lessons in the child’s home, or at a central location? Lessons are located in-home, although we can also arrange for lessons to be at a central location depending on transportation and availability.
What is the intake process? The adult submitting the child needs to fill out an intake form, available here. We can fax or mail a form to those who do not have internet access. After we receive the intake form, we proceed to match the student with a teacher and set up the lesson based on the child’s and teacher’s availability.
How long do the lessons last? Lessons are typically 30 minutes long, but it depends on the type of lesson and the age of the child.
How long can a child stay in the program? A child can stay in the program as long as the teacher and child are finding the lessons productive.
Does my child have to have their own instrument? No. Kids in a New Groove provides a rental instrument if the child does not have one. If the child is progressing and meeting goals, students have an opportunity to earn their very own instrument.
Does my child have to have musical ability? No. Your child just needs to have the desire to take, and that’s it!
Are lessons free? Yes, they are absolutely free!
Are teachers paid? We are moving towards a total volunteer-based music teacher program.