What is LINKS?

LINKS stands for Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids. 

The LINKS program brings together the desire of young students who want to learn to play an instrument with used instruments that others have no current use for. Through LINKS, you can donate your used instrument to a promising young musician who cannot afford to rent or purchase one of their own. The program began as a project of the College-Conservatory of Music Alumni Board in partnership with Willis Music & Buddy Roger’s Music. It started as an idea to fulfill a need that had been identified in the music programs of area schools. 

FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

I would like to donate an instrument to LINKS. What do I need to do?

If you would like to donate an instrument to the LINKS program, just stop by any one of the Willis Music & Buddy Roger’s Music store and a sales associate will be able to assist you with the donation process. 

The LINKS Program accepts the following instruments for donations, regardless of condition for use in the school music programs: Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Baritone Horns, Tubas, French Horns, Cornets, Violins, Violas, Cellos, String Basses, Tubas, Drums and Bells.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept the following instruments for the LINKS Program: Pianos, Accordions, Organs, Drum Sets, Electric or Acoustic Guitars, Amplifiers, PA Systems, or other non-beginning band / orchestra instruments.

Your instrument will be processed, free of charge, by a Willis Music & Buddy Roger’s Music’s Repair Technician and distributed to a needy child. Once donated, CCM Musical LINKS Project will not be able to provide donors with specific information about their instrument.

I think my child would be a good candidate for the LINKS Program, what do I need to do?

Only your school’s band or orchestra director can submit a scholarship form for the LINK’s Program. If you have already tried to apply for a lease and were declined or if you don’t think you can afford the monthly lease rates of an instrument, talk to your school’s band or orchestra director and he/she will be able to assist you. 

If they are not familiar with the LINKS program, please have them contact any Willis Music & Buddy Roger’s Music Store https://www.willismusic.com/locations/ or email [email protected] OR contact CCM (513) 556-2100. The LINKS Scholarship form cannot be completed by a student or parent.

I am a teacher; how do I know if a student qualifies for the LINKS Program?

Here is the basic checklist you should follow to figure out what students qualify for the LINKS Program. 

(NOTE: This program serves the Greater Cincinnati area schools only and is not available outside of our marketplace. Schools may submit up to five scholarship requests each year.)

  • The student is officially enrolled at your school.
  • The student participates or desires to participate in the instrumental program at our school.
  • The student has demonstrated a good work ethic in the classroom.
  • The student is in good academic standing.
  • The student has demonstrated an aptitude in music. 
  • The student is a responsible young person who will show respect for the instrument.
  • The student’s parents or guardians have been unable to secure an instrument through conventional means.

Only the Band Director, Orchestra Director or Principal at the student’s school can submit a LINKS Scholarship Request Form. Instruments will be filled based on availability and order in which the forms were received. 

Instrument Scholarship Request Form

If you have any further questions regarding the LINKS Program, visit https://www.willismusic.com/locations/