Benefit Recital for Ukraine

Hi! I'm Amber, owner and operator at Amber Tarling Music Studio.

I teach piano to students of all ages in the Tri-Cities and provide Music Therapy services for young people with neuro-diversities. On Friday, May 27th, I will be hosting a Benefit Recital to raise money for young people still living in Ukraine.

Many years ago, when I was the music educator at a private school, I became friends with the Drama Specialist, Leanne Hume. We shared many fun years organizing school-wide musicals and events; Leanne was a woman filled with energy, wisdom, and endless creativity, and her drive for helping children unleash their own passion was inspiring and motivating. She was a joy to work with!

She and her husband went on to travel the world while teaching and raising their daughter, Vivian. We continued to stay in touch, mostly through Facebook (right?! The only way, sometimes!). They have made a home in Kyiv, Ukraine for the past 9 years teaching at the Kyiv International School though they are currently living in Albania, providing online learning for families still living in basements and trying to stay safe.

I have been trying to find a way to help support those children and families displaced by the war, and Leanne has reached out in search of help for people she has connections with still living in or near the war zones. As I feel a deep connection to my incredible colleague and long-time friend, I felt moved to do something for them.

As musicians, we have the power to connect with people and create life-changing moments. Playing at a recital can offer students a chance to share their music, provide enrichment for those attending, and hopefully generate some donations to give ground-level funding to young people in Ukraine.

This recital is intended to raise funds for education, music supplies, art supplies, and people providing safety and basic care for children whose lives will be forever changed by this war. Leanne's friends and collegues have been feeding displaced children and getting medical supplies into cut off areas, and may also use these funds to rebuild a school or supply a shelter. While this live event is only for families of performers due to Covid limitations, please consider donating; know that your money will be directly deposited to people on the ground in Ukraine and will be immediately put to good use.

With so much gratitude and love,

Amber

"Music speaks when words cannot."

- anonymous