The mission of Every Notes Counts is to provide free music education to children in need throughout Connecticut. 

Every Note Counts began as an idea between three friends: Quality music education can and should be accessible to every kid that wants to play an instrument. Music teaches kids focus, discipline, working towards a goal, and teamwork. Having the creative outlet of music can also help children channel their emotions in positive ways, through songwriting and other forms of musical expression. 

Meet the Board Members!

We all believe that music is one key to a successful life! The founding board members of Every Note Counts were fortunate enough to spend our childhood studying music with great teachers. The impact that these teachers had on our lives is immeasurable. We would not be the people we are today without them. We hope you will support us in our vision of making music education accessible to every child!

Matt Lefebvre

President

A lifelong drummer, Matt Lefebvre has been the owner of Middlesex Music Academy for the past nine years. Matt is currently a commissioner with the Downtown Business District (DBD), collaborating with other area business leaders on “beautification projects, cooperative relations with municipal leaders, and promotion of the district.” He works with the local school systems repairing school band instruments and volunteers his time for events like Make Music Day, where he set up performance locations around town and matched artists with venues. In his spare time, the father of two plays drums in Southern Voice, a country band that performs throughout the New England area. 

Karen Hogg

Vice President & Secretary

Karen Hogg is an educator, writer, and multi-instrumentalist with thirty years of teaching experience. She has published two instructional books and multiple articles for publications such as Fretboard Journal, She Shreds, and Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Hogg is also a grant writer, writing successful grants that have helped fund Middletown music community projects such as The Murder Ballad Project and Noah Baerman’s Jazz Up Close concert series at the Russell Library. In addition to being a board member for Every Note Counts, she is also a volunteer musician at Hospice in Branford. 

Kevin Wyman

Vice President & Treasurer

Kevin Wyman is a musician, educator, and communications specialist with 10 years of experience. Wyman believes that performance is a vital part of music education and has worked tirelessly to create performance opportunities for students in the Middletown area. 

Wyman is committed to developing his community; whether through his commitment to teaching, musical performances in town, or lending design expertise to businesses in the area. He has volunteered his talents to events like The Murder Ballad Project, designing the website, poster, and program for the concert, a fundraiser for New Horizons Domestic Violence Services. Active as a performer, Wyman gives recitals and concerts of his own throughout the year. Additionally, he performs with various bands in the area on both keyboards and bass. 

Our Core Values

When we started Every Note Counts, we had a clear vision for what the program should aim to do. Our focus will always reflect our mission: to provide free music education to children in need throughout Connecticut. Our Core Values expand on that mission, and outline how our program is guided. 

Community

We believe in the power of community and music to transform lives. We are a group of experienced music teachers dedicated to providing the highest quality of music education to children living below the poverty level in Connecticut. We work with local band directors and other education professionals in the area to ensure that kids thrive musically and personally. 

Care

We believe that every child who wants to play music should have the opportunity to do so. Every Note Counts Music Program is committed to providing equal access to music education through financial assistance and an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Every Note Counts Music Program has partnered with Middlesex Music Academy, providing lessons in downtown Middletown, Connecticut. Middlesex Music Academy is accessible by area public transportation and is ADA compliant. 

Connection

Moments of connection create moments of learning. These moments, in turn, foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young minds. We believe that treating each student with the respect and dignity they deserve fosters connection and builds a foundation for future success in music and life. 

Creativity

Creative expression is part of being human. We have seen, both from our personal experiences learning music and from our students, how music can reduce stress and build confidence. We seek to give our students the gift of music, in hopes that they will carry it with them throughout their lives.

We Can't Do It Alone!

Every Note Counts Music Program is partnering with schools and teachers throughout Connecticut. The lessons take place at Middlesex Music Academy, our first partner, located at 440 Main Street in Middletown This shared space is ADA compliant and is easily accessible by Middletown Area Transit. Donate today. The gift of music education lasts a lifetime!