The Center for the Arts, Wyoming
322 Wyoming Ave.
Wyoming, OH 45215
(513) 948-1900
Fax: (513) 948-1999

The Project

Mission

The Touchstone Project helps at-risk children achieve greater success in school through music instruction and performance. The Project provides stringed instrument instruction-- a comprehensive musical experience of the highest quality-- to students in elementary schools, free of cost. The benefiting schools face economic hardships that would otherwise prevent parents and administrators from offering their students the opportunity to participate in the arts.

Overview

The Touchstone Project program offers an unparalleled combination of instrumental lessons taught in a small group setting with highly qualified faculty from the Cincinnati String Academy. The violins, bows, cases, methods and learning materials are provided to the student free of charge. They have the opportunity to perform in student concerts and recitals, continue lessons in summer months and attend professional concerts.

It is well documented that students who become involved in specialized musical instrument training will score higher on standardized tests and the SAT, will be more likely to go on to college, and are less likely to become involved with drugs or alcohol. The Touchstone Project provides this type of instruction that develops a student’s intelligence, consistent work habits, and joy for learning.

Participating schools are chosen based on economic need, with all elementary children being eligible for the program. And in order to make the most lasting positive impact, the schools’ preschool through first graders are the most heavily recruited.

But the program doesn’t stop there. The Touchstone Project is committed to providing support to the student for the entirety of their schooling, provided that they meet basic practicing and attendance expectations.

Four hundred (400) students are currently participating in the program in four Greater Cincinnati area elementary schools. Touchstone currently has a nearly 100% student retention rate, which speaks volumes for both the immediate and future impact of the Project.

History

The Touchstone Project was founded by The Center for the Arts of Wyoming, Ohio, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to offering a wide spectrum of cultural and artistic opportunities to people in the Greater Cincinnati area. From lessons and classes to concerts, workshops, and community events, The Center is committed to fostering appreciation and skills in the arts for individuals of all ages and abilities. Over 1,000 students, led by 44 faculty members, participate in the programs of The Center: The Cincinnati String Academy, Music Technology Lab, Wyoming Dance Center, the Art Workshop, Musik Kids, and the Touchstone Project. The Center also hosts and collaborates with many of the top arts organizations in Cincinnati.

Board of Trustees

Ray Fager, President
Gary Mitro, Treasurer
Emilie Dressler, Secretary
Jason Bartel
Paul Bartel
Amy Dennison
Keith Johnson
Mark Perzel

Honorary Trustees

Paul Newman, actor
Cho-Liang Lin, violinist
Ian Swensen, violinist

Administrative Staff

Milan Dukic,
Executive Director

Patricia Thornbury,
General Manager

Milan Dukic,
Project Coordinator

Faculty

Kevin Boden
Milan Dukic
John Lardinois
Jennifer C. Leong
Kesiana Ymeri
Suhnah Yu

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