Credit: Emily Davids

Sophomore Emily Davids’ viola rests alongside her practice partner’s. The pair work together on foundational techniques and short duets as part of the WHS Practice Partner Program.

Sitting with a new instrument in your hands can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Through the Wayland High School Practice Partner Program, developing musicians receive the support they need.

The program pairs experienced high school musicians with younger students who are just beginning to learn an instrument. It has made an impact on both the young musicians of Wayland and their high school mentors, building technical skills while instilling enthusiasm for music.

The program began 18 years ago when Wayland Fine Arts Department Director Susan Memoli recognized a need for additional practice support for young musicians. At the time, she had just transitioned from directing the elementary school music program and wanted to address the gap she observed among students just beginning to learn string instruments.

“I think for many of our elementary students, that connection with a high school kid can be the reason they continue their instruments,” Memoli said.

Proficient WHS musicians who have taken private lessons in addition to participating in one of the school’s ensembles have the opportunity to join the program, offering 30-minute weekly lessons to one or more elementary students. The program includes a variety of instruments, from violin to trumpet to drums.

“It’s so inspirational because many of our students are extraordinary musicians, and then when [the younger students] hear that and realize, ‘I could actually attain that,’ [and] I think it makes it much more real than ‘Oh, yeah, here’s this adult who’s playing this for me, of course they’re good,’” Memoli said.

Not only do the younger musicians benefit, but high school mentors also reinforce their own skills by teaching others. Lessons often begin with the basics, such as bow hold or identifying the letter associated with each string, and progress to short duets as students improve. Younger musicians can also bring in a specific piece or skill to focus on, as each lesson remains flexible.

“It has benefits both ways, and they are incalculable,” Memoli said.

For sophomore mentor Michelle Ma, the program has played a significant role in her musical development. Ma has been playing the cello for eight years and is a member of Camerata Strings at The Rivers School and the Honors Sinfonia at WHS. She has participated in the Practice Partner Program since 2024 and meets with two younger musicians once a week.

“It has really made a big impact on me as a musician,” Ma said.

Ma said reviewing fundamental skills with her students has helped her become a stronger cellist. She added she was motivated to join the program after hearing others share their experiences and recognizing the impact she could have.

“A few of my friends who are in the practice partner program seemed to have been having a lot of fun, and I also wanted to help younger generations practice better,” Ma said.

After connecting with a student, Ma said she typically conducts an informal assessment to understand the student’s skill level. From there, she tailors lessons to meet the young musician’s needs and support improvement.

Elyse Ta has played the violin for more than eight years and is a member of Honors Sinfonia and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, where she has performed a range of repertoire, from opera to classical concertos. She has also participated in the Senior District Festival and All-State Festival, performing alongside musicians from across the state. In addition to her musical work outside of school, Ta takes part in the practice partner program.

“I joined the practice partner program because it’s been rewarding to help elementary school and middle school students with something I’m passionate about,” Ta said.

Each year, the Practice Partner Program concludes with a celebration concert featuring the younger musicians, hosted by the WHS Tri-M Honors Society. Family members, friends and high school mentors attend to support the students as they showcase what they have learned.

“It turns them into string lifers,” Memoli said. “It truly is a testament to the success of the program.”