Help Expand Lyra Programs to New Schools!

We need your help! Lyra wants to expand to new schools!

The Lyra Society brings free harps, harp lessons, and college and financial aid counseling to 30 students in 5 schools across Philadelphia. We are now looking to reach more schools!

All Lyra Glissando Program students are on a full scholarship - Lyra provides harps, harp lessons, harp books, harp regulations, harp transportation, financial aid and college counseling (regardless of their major) at no cost to our students.

Sample Costs:

$20 gives one harp book for a student

$50 provides a private lesson for one student

 $2,000 gives a full scholarship for one student for one year

Lyra's incredible impact on our students is undeniable:

Medgina says: "Because of Lyra, I am the young woman that I am today."

-  Medgina is currently at Temple University's Boyer School of Music and Dance with a full scholarship, studying Harp Performance with Elizabeth Hainen.

Jermoyah says: "Thanks to the Lyra Society and my Jermoyah (left) with fellow Glissando Program students after performing with the All-City Orchestra at Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center!teacher, Ms. Steiner, I would have never imagined that I would be able to play an instrument as grand as the harp. Yet playing the harp has taught me more than just simply matching the notes on the score to the many red, black, and white strings. It has taught me discipline, structure, love, grit, and a thousand more qualities that I could go on and on about. Because of the harp I sit straighter, I walk with purpose, and I always arrive at least 30 minutes before an event starts. I take the harp with me wherever I go, whether it be an interview or a family function. Everyone knows I play and love the harp so much; it is woven into my very personality. No matter what school I attend of what job I may have, I will always be able to say that I am a Harpist."

- Jermoyah is now studying at Bowdoin College, and was featured in "100 High School Students America Needs to Know About."

Yahsir with Lyra Teaching Artist Maryanne Meyer.Yahsir says: "We get to make good music!"

 - Yahsir is continuing his harp studies at KIPP West Elementary!

Lyra by Numbers:

The Lyra Family...

• ...employs 3 teaching artists in 5 schools with 30 students. We also provide insurance and annual maintenance to 25 harps in the Philadelphia School District.
• ...has enriched the lives of over 7,500 students from elementary to high school in  Philadelphia schools with presentations and private lessons.
• has given over $10,000 in scholarships to our students to attend world-renowned summer harp programs.

Any amount you can give will go a long way in supporting the progress and enrichment of our students' lives. 

Thank you for your support!

Visit our new website at LyraSociety.org