MakingMUSIC

Elementary Schools

Our Longest Standing Tradition

Louisville Orchestra's Premier Youth Music Education Program

Founded in 1940, MakingMUSIC is the Louisville Orchestra’s flagship education program, bringing immersive musical experiences to elementary students across Kentuckiana. With a deep legacy in Louisville, MakingMUSIC now offers an expanded range of interactive opportunities combining classroom learning, an unforgettable concert experience, and innovative programs to foster a love for music and support education goals.

If you have questions or are interested in scheduling an experience for your students, please email education@louisvilleorchestra.org or call 502.585.9417.

What is MakingMUSIC?

The MakingMUSIC program blends classroom-based learning with the excitement of a live concert, all tailored to meet the needs of Louisville’s 4th and 5th graders. Through a partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), the program is available to all JCPS elementary students at no cost, ensuring that every student experiences live orchestral music as part of their education.

Educational Classroom Visits

As part of MakingMUSIC, Louisville Orchestra musicians bring music directly to students through interactive classroom visits. These sessions are designed to make learning about music engaging and accessible by offering:

  • Instrument Demonstrations: Musicians introduce students to various orchestral instruments.
  • Interactive Performances: Musicians perform and discuss musical concepts with students in an accessible way.
  • Hands-On Learning: Students can ask questions, participate, and experience music up close.

Annual MakingMUSIC Concert

Held at The Kentucky Center, the annual MakingMUSIC concert is a cornerstone of the program introducing young students to a professional orchestra experience:

  • Classical and Contemporary Pieces: The concert program is thoughtfully curated to include a mix of traditional classical works and contemporary compositions.
  • Student Performers: Some concerts include performances by student musicians and composers, enhancing engagement.
  • Teacher Support: Teachers are provided with a guide and classroom activities to prepare students for the concert, enhancing the educational impact.

How to attend

Jefferson County Public Schools Partnership

​​​​Through a unique partnership with JCPS, the LO ensures that all 4th and 5th graders can participate in MakingMUSIC at no cost, either through classroom visits or the concert experience for March 2026:

  • Schools beginning with A–J receive complimentary admission and transportation to a MakingMUSIC concert.
  • Schools beginning with K–Z receive complimentary classroom visits/demos with individual musicians.
Non-JCPS Schools

The MakingMUSIC program is available as a membership at a cost of $1,400* per school. Member schools receive a bundle of services at a discounted rate: One 45-min chamber ensemble performance, a 2-hour musician visit with up to 4 classrooms, and access to the LO Online Music Education Learning Library featuring instrument demos, performances, classroom activities, an overview of careers in the arts, and more. The MakingMUSIC program was developed for grades 4-5 but can be adapted for grades 3-6.

MakingMUSIC Annual Concert

For generations, the Louisville Orchestra’s MakingMUSIC program has been a defining part of Louisville’s arts education, reaching thousands of students and instilling a lasting love for music. Through a unique partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), all 4th and 5th graders enjoy the MakingMUSIC program at no cost. Alternating each year, students receive either free tickets and transportation to the core concert or enjoy in-school musician visits. This experience has introduced music to countless students, creating a shared legacy that remains central to our mission.

Young Composers Program

The Young Composers Program offers select students the chance to dive into composition with the guidance of Louisville Orchestra composers. Through workshops and mentorship, students create original music and share their compositions with their peers, building creativity and critical thinking skills.

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RAP School

In partnership with Hip-Hop N2 Learning (HHN2L), LO Rap School integrates hip-hop, social justice, and orchestral music, empowering students to express themselves through original rap compositions. This unique program allows students to perform with the Louisville Orchestra, connecting their stories with the power of music.

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Request Ensemble and Musician Visits

Schools participating in MakingMUSIC now benefit from additional in-school musician visits and chamber ensemble performances, allowing more students to experience live music in their own schools.

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Impact and Legacy

MakingMUSIC has been a formative experience for generations of Louisville students, instilling a love for music and fostering a sense of community. The Louisville Orchestra’s commitment to expanding this program means that more young people can experience the joy and inspiration of live music. By supporting and sustaining MakingMUSIC, we honor its legacy and ensure that music education remains accessible to all.

Support

Support

Your support helps continue our mission to bring world-class music into our community. Join us in ensuring that the power of music thrives in Louisville for generations to come.

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Support of $250

Brings a musician into a classroom, giving students a unique opportunity to learn from and be inspired by a professional musician.

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Support of $500

Provides a bus for one school to attend MakingMUSIC, ensuring transportation isn’t a barrier.

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Support of $1,000

Sends an elementary school to a "MakingMUSIC" program, providing students with an unforgettable live orchestral experience.

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