Violin Program

The Colburn School of Performing Arts salutes the Sweet Strings program (“Inner-City Kids Need Violins,” Voices, Oct. 21). The instructor mentioned, who originally offered to teach for free in the program, is full-time Colburn School teacher Chan Ho Yun, and we strongly support his efforts. The Colburn School has donated string instruments to the program and will continue to do so whenever possible.

The commentary mentions the “really expensive” lessons at Colburn, but I want to point out that we pay well-deserved professional salaries to our faculty and also offer broad need-based scholarships based on generous income-based qualifications. We are already near capacity even in our 2-year-old facility. That makes Sweet Strings and the many other wonderful community-based music and arts programs all the more vital and deserving of strong support.

JOSEPH THAYER

Executive Director and Dean

Colburn School of Performing Arts

Los Angeles