ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – A south St. Louis organization is changing lives through the power of music. At Pianos for People, a piano is more than a piano, and lessons are more than just lessons.
“It’s a place where kids can come get a healthy snack, meet other kids, share music together, and have the time spent productively,” said Tom Townsend, co-founder of Pianos for People.
The non-profit offers free, quality pianos and lessons to those who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
“We don’t charge for the piano; we don’t charge for delivery… never pay a penny,” Townsend said.
It all started when Tom and Jeanne Townsend lost their son in a car accident in 2010. Since then, Pianos for People has given away at least 140 pianos to people in need and currently teaches over 80 students.