Donations Sought To Open Academy Of Music For The Blind In LA
IRVINE (CBSLA.com) — The Academy of Music for the Blind sought donations Monday to expand its program by opening a new center in the San Fernando Valley.
AMB is a nonprofit organization that works to provide music education to blind students ages 4 to 18.
"AMB specifically addresses the educational, social and physical needs of talented blind music students," explained David Pinto, executive director of AMB. "They can fully develop their unique talents and be prepared for integration into the workplace or other educational settings."
The academy has served students for over 11 years and is the only year-round music school in America that is solely dedicated to educating the blind and visually impaired.
Pinto explained his plan for AMB was developed while working with Ray Charles during the last two years of his life. He seeks to set a worldwide example of excellence in music education.
"Ray wanted his legacy to include a thriving AMB that would serve the needs of blind students and musicians everywhere," Pinto said.
Curriculum includes braille music reading, ear training, acoustic instruments, recording and audio engineering.
Two Saturday class sessions are offered at the Los Angeles campus of Junior Blind of America. Weekday classes are offered in Monrovia.
The next concert will be held April 25 in Orange County.
For more information on AMB's program, click here. To make a donation online, click here.
