The benefits of learning a musical instrument to a person’s self-esteem, empathy and overall development are undisputed. But with budget shortfalls affecting everything from public schools to community programs, music and the arts are often the first to go. Pianos for People seeks to help fill that artistic, educational and emotional void.

Using large, black-and-white images that focus on random, stark yet beautiful ‘moments’ in our St. Louis community, we show the viewer that music is all around us if only we look and listen for it.

Using simple alliteration in a construct and cadence that aligned strategically with the notes on the staff above, we approached the copy in a musical way. So, it read more as a traditional song lyric and less as a traditional headline. The result is a series that feels more like sheet music, and less like advertising.

The poster print series was released on October 22 – the night of Pianos for People’s annual ‘Evening of 100 Fingers’ fundraising concert. They targeted donors who realize the benefits of music education and are inspired by PFP’s efforts to improve the region, the community and the children. Donations poured in, more than doubling the amount from the previous year. The series now hangs proudly in the hall of Pianos for People’s headquarters, where it continues to encourage young piano students to look for, and be inspired by, the music all around them.