Our Story
From 12 violins to a collective
In summer 2019, one teacher and a dozen violins started something that now reaches over 150 young musicians.
How it began
In summer 2019, founder and Executive Director Sara Maria Blanton bought 12 violins out of pocket and began to partner with local non-profit Refugee Hope Partners to start a free violin class for any interested elementary students.
Having worked with El Sistema-inspired programs since 2016, she sought to merge her private teaching studio with community partnership work into a nonprofit model.
Raleigh Music Collective has grown from the first 12 kids to over 150, in private lessons, group classes, ensemble rehearsals, and camps. The December 2019 Winter Showcase brought together students from refugee communities and private lesson backgrounds, establishing the program’s foundational vision.
RMC operates at two main community locations, Cedar Point Apartments (the original site) and South Raleigh, offering tuition-free classes. Our beginner elementary classes take place at Peach Road Cultural Center, and our núcleo, which houses all returning students and middle/high school beginners, is currently looking for a new location.
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.