Makayla Patterson's piano keyboard was just not working out.Without a pedal, the notes sounded choppy. Her little brothers kept knocking the power adapter out. And as her fingers whipped out the advanced songs, they ran out of keys to play the farthest notes.__IMAGE1__"She was frustrated and I was lucky if I could get her to practice more than 15 minutes," Makayla's mother, Diane Patterson, said. "She had the talent, but not the tools. She needed a real piano."The Patterson family had already overcome numerous obstacles so that Makayla could develop her talent. Over the past four years, they had sought out a teacher, found an affordable keyboard and paid for the lessons.But now, the 13-year-old's skill had once again surpassed the resources at hand — and she was about to give up.Then the Pattersons heard about the Mundi Project.The Mundi Project is a non-profit organization based out of Salt Lake City that collects and donates used pianos to families lacking the necessary resources to purchase their own."It is such an expensive instrument and to obtain one is a real block to anyone who doesn't have the funds," said Leita Kingsland, chair of the Mundi Project's piano bank.Those interested must fill out an application. Qualifications include making less than $50,000 a year, having a piano teacher and fostering "a dedication and desire to play."The Pattersons filled out the form and several weeks later, they were "stunned and grateful" by the good news — a piano was on its way."You can't really express the gratitude when you're given something like this," Diane Patterson said. "My daughter is so thrilled to have this piano. We almost lost her playing and now she plays all the time."Program president and founder Hana Janatova said connecting kids like Makayla with piano education is important because art education is declining in the community."In our society, there is a large focus on numbers, testing, math and science while the arts are largely ignored," Janatova said. "Art allows people to express how they feel, how they reflect on life. It is important for our youth to have art opportunities."Now Makayla can expresses herself by playing Taylor Swift songs and Disney scores on her dark brown, Haines Brothers piano. She loves the instrument, which shows signs of wear and even graffiti, because it is "unique and special."So far, the Mundi Project has relocated 22 pianos to families all over the Salt Lake Valley. Now, Janatova said, the group is looking to expand."We want to network across Utah," Janatova said. "We want to make a sustainable organization for future generations that will get these unused, unplayed pianos to children who will use them."In order to accomplish this goal, Janatova said they need the help of the community."I need more people," she said. "The door is open for volunteers, if they choose to step through it."For those interested in donating time or a piano to the Mundi Project or who would like more information about the piano bank, go to the Mundi Project Web site or e-mail contact@mundiproject.org.
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