The COVID-19 pandemic has proved challenging for many businesses and non-profit organizations, forcing them to rethink how they go about their work.

For The Music Settlement (TMS), it has included re-imagining the ways they do things.

The Music Settlement is a centuries-old community music school forged out of the Settlement Movement as a way to welcome immigrants to Cleveland and unite them through the common language of music.

  Since its founding in 1912, they have grown from a foundation of music instruction to also offering early childhood education and music therapy services.

TMS, like all other schools, was forced to suspend all in-person instruction in mid-March due to an order issued by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine as a precaution from the coronavirus pandemic.

Without a way to provide face-to-face programming to their students, TMS leaders came up with an idea to offer virtual classes.

Now, they are offering Virtual Summer Camps, a creative experience for kids, teens and adults of all ages and skill levels. Through online interaction with their faculty and some very special guest artists, TMS provides opportunities for all to explore interests, build confidence and improve musical skills, technique and knowledge.

While recent state re-opening plans allowed TMS to restart their Center for Early Childhood on June 15 (University Circle campus only; Ohio City campus remains closed until further notice), other centers are set to reopen in late June, mid-July and potentially early September.

Thanks to their virtual camps, they are still able to offer an array of classes to blossoming musicians.

To help support their mission and work, themusicsettlement.org.