Meet Mavis
by John Dehmer
Have you ever wished you could play a musical instrument? Has limited vision caused you to stop playing or learning a musical instrument? If you have answered yes to either of these questions, the information in this article may provide you or some one you know with a solution.
MAVIS
(Music Association for the Visually Impaired Students of NJ) is a statewide,
not-for-profit organization that provides an instrument for free and subsidized
music instruction for any person who is legally or totally blind in the state of
New Jersey. MAVIS will provide an instrument that the student can use for as
long as needed for lessons and practice. Students can choose their own
instructor, or MAVIS can assist with finding one in the student’s vicinity. We
at MAVIS will provide assistance to the instructor and serve as a resource when
necessary.
Once a student has the instrument and a match is made with an instructor, the lessons can begin. Reimbursement is made for up to $100 per month. Our students have ranged in age from five to seventy eight years of age and have learned to play instruments including the piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, and drums. The benefits gained by our students in addition to the mastery of an instrument are increased confidence, improved independence and enhanced social activity. They also have gained expanded employment opportunities and a functional use of leisure time.
Do you remember the first time you caught a fish, hit a home run, rode a bike, or were successful standing up on ice skates? Remember the joy and excitement and feeling of confidence when you mastered the task? Learning to play an instrument can provide an individual with the same exciting experience. Eventually you might play professionally or play just to amuse yourself. Whatever your goal, we are here to help!
MAVIS also supports a five piece band that is comprised of former and present students; the goal of the band is to promote MAVIS, showcase our musicians’ talents and to provide excellent quality entertainment. Our band performs in parades, at community events, fairs, dinners and many other functions. American standards, country, oldies, and light rock from the 40’s to the present are included in the band’s repertoire.
The band’s services are available upon request on a limited basis and compensation is negotiable. Funds generated from the performances are used for student instruments and instruction. The band members and volunteers are not compensated for time or travel.
In 1966, Dick Fieldhouse developed theories and techniques for teaching the visually impaired to play musical instruments. He dedicated the remaining years of his life to promoting this concept. In the mid 1970s our founder, Hector F. Chaput, strongly believed in Mr. Fieldhouse’s ideals and his diligent work resulted in the formation of MAVIS. Since the passing of Mr. Chaput, dedicated volunteers have continued to work to keep the belief in “JOY THROUGH MUSIC” alive.
The belief in “JOY THROUGH MUSIC” has given enormous satisfaction to the volunteers, instructors and students. Our instructors and fifteen-member board of directors have had the honor of assisting and observing the musical growth of the students. The students learn to play instruments that add a positive niche in their lives. The fifteen members of the board of directors meet each month, and the dream keeps living on.
The average cost of instruction and instruments is approximately $1000 per year per student. Over the past thirty-five years this community organization has provided lessons for more than two thousand individuals. Additionally, our limited college scholarship provides an opportunity for individuals interested in continuing their music at a higher level.
Throughout the year, the organization holds several fundraising events and volunteers are always welcome. Donations of supplies for fundraisers, instruments for students, and donations of your time make it possible to increase our services. MAVIS is always looking for new instructors and volunteers to join our dedicated organization. Individuals who are interested in providing instruction, transportation, in receiving lessons or joining our organization can contact us by phone, email or snail-mail.
M.A.V.I.S. of New Jersey
P.O. Box 173,
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
(732) 826-8216
This program is made possible because of the support and generosity of the following:
Individual contributors
Fundraising activities
Local business establishments
Grants
Lions clubs, especially district 16D
