Who We Are

  • At Cadence Music, we believe that music has the power to transform lives and that every student deserves access to high-quality music education, regardless of their financial circumstances.

    In 2021, our co-founders Brooke Schrager and Ella Bracero set out on a mission. Frustrated by the lack of accessible options for students in financial need, they envisioned a world where music lessons were not a luxury. Out of this vision, Cadence Music NFP was born, and in 2022, we launched with a singular goal: to make music education accessible, inclusive, and equitable for students of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

    Since our launch, we’ve raised over $50,000 and provided more than 1,000 private music lessons through our flagship Private Lesson Scholarship Program.

  • We believe music education should be a pathway not a privilege. By uplifting young talent, strengthening community through the arts, and expanding access to music education, Cadence Music is helping the next generation of musicians, creators, and leaders unlock their future one lesson at a time.

    Join us in creating a world where music education truly is for everyone.

  • Music lessons are often out of reach for students facing financial hardship, but we’re changing that.

    Our Private Lesson Scholarship Program provides direct financial assistance for private music lessons. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and cover up to $35.00 per 30-minute lesson, ensuring that students can learn without financial barriers, and instructors are compensated fairly for their time and talent.

    This creates a sustainable model where quality music education is accessible to all without placing the burden on educators or stigmatizing students based on their socioeconomic status.

    To serve students at every stage of their musical journey, we offer scholarships in three age-based categories:

    • Allegro – Elementary School (Grades K–5)

    • Presto – Middle School (Grades 6–8)

    • Vivace – High School & Beyond (Grades 9–14)

    Whether it's a first piano lesson or advanced audition prep, our goal is to open doors, and keep them open, for students passionate about learning and growing through music.

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Lauren: Finding Her Voice, and Her Future

Lauren began private voice lessons in her freshman year of high school through a Cadence Music scholarship. From the moment she started receiving lessons, her musical journey took flight.

With the guidance and support of her instructor, Lauren stepped confidently into the spotlight. She earned a place in the prestigious ILMEA Honors Choir, starred as the lead in her school musical, and performed multiple solo pieces with her school’s choir, achievements that reflected both her talent and her dedication.

Now a high school graduate, Lauren is preparing to begin her next chapter as a Music Education major in college, determined to pass on the inspiration she received.

“Thank you for my scholarship. It has meant so much to me that I found a comforting space where I can be myself with someone who I trust to push me to be a better musician.” — Lauren

Lauren’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when students are given not only the resources to learn, but the encouragement to soar.