An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC), an initiative by the Hamilton Music Collective, is a visionary musical project that provides elementary school children in Hamilton's inner-city schools and community centers with the opportunity to learn to play an instrument. AIFEC's core programs are designed to inspire Hamilton's youth through free access to music education while reducing the economic burden for parents, schools, and communities who wish to offer students the skills and benefits that music provides. Since launching with one class at King George Elementary School in 2010, the program has now expanded to 14 schools and 2 community centres, reaching nearly 1000 school-age children in the Hamilton-Wentworth School District.
AIFEC removes barriers for students who live in poverty; by encouraging children to participate, awarding grants to cover all program expenses and by providing each participant with his/her own instrument free of charge for the duration of the program. AIFEC’s goals are empowerment and accessibility and to enable all children to experience the joy and benefits of playing music, regardless of their socio-economic position.
AIFEC has since been able to launch new programming to cover more styles and skills levels in music education, including Jambassadors, our youth rock bands, AIFEC Orchestra, a free concert band for children, String Ensemble, for emerging violin and cello players, and Beats By U! electronic music production for teens. Many of these advanced programs are offered for free, or with available subsidies for families in need.
Founder and CEO Astrid Hepner studied Musicology at the University of Cologne and earned her Master's degree in Performing Arts from The Folkwang School in Essen, Germany. She also holds a diploma in Cultural Management. Astrid is the recipient of the 2013 YWCA Hamilton Women of Distinction Award.
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