Current Initiatives

  • People seated in rows of chairs at an indoor event, many wearing masks, with some standing near the doorway and camera equipment set up.

    Enrichment Accessibility

    Most kids are naturally excited about music. Unfortunately, for many young students across Northern New York, access to dynamic and diverse musical opportunities can be limited by lack of funds or remoteness. WAI is overcoming this by connecting schools with eager arts partners.

  • A man and a child giving thumbs up next to a collection of guitars and musical equipment in a room.

    Instrument Drives

    At the heart of WAI’s mission is the simple, yet profound act of providing access to instruments. By gathering and repairing neglected musical instruments from generous donors who are excited to free up space in their homes, WAI is able to help meet the overwhelming need for instruments faced by children across Northern New York.

  • A classroom scene with several people, mostly women, seated at desks working with firearms and gun accessories. Some are handling pistols, with a person standing at the back and a girl in a pink sweater and scarf in the foreground.

    Professional Development

    Not all heroes wear capes! Our instrument repair workshops with dedicated teachers and student leaders are a key part of WAI’s sustainability strategy.

  • A cluttered office desk with multiple monitors, a speaker, headphones, papers, and a photo of a smiling child. A computer screen shows a video conference with four participants.

    Virtual Lessons

    WAI works with partners in the region and beyond to provide students access to music lessons, regardless of how remote they may be or how limited their local school’s offerings are.