Matthew, who is on the autism spectrum, has always been a quick study. For five years, he’s been involved in the Sistema music program for youth. But Matthew struggled with the physical side of playing the violin. This meant slow progress, and it frustrated him and left him feeling he wasn’t good enough.
With the restrictions around COVID, learning went online. And while that has been challenging for some, it turned out to be a benefit to Matthew.
He has almost never missed a class, and really began practising on his own. He started noticing his improvement and this led to more practise – and more improvement. Matthew finished this year by successfully auditioning for Sistema’s advanced program, the Saint John Youth Orchestra!
Successes like this are possible thanks to generous United Way donors, who help fund Sistema and other programs for youth.