Founded in 1988, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic (OKCPHIL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing orchestral music to all Oklahomans. Shannon Lockwood, director of education and community engagement, leads efforts to make music accessible. Her vision is to “inspire a lifelong love of music for as many Oklahomans as possible.” Today, she and OKCPHIL are turning that vision into free and low-cost music education programs that reach students, families and communities statewide.
The benefits of music education
Music education helps students of all ages develop valuable life skills, fosters future musicians and brings joy through music.
“Many kids have never seen a professional musician performing live, and when our OKCPHIL musicians play for them, it creates a sense of awe and wonder,” Lockwood shared. “They see what is possible in their own lives, and they are inspired to give music a try.”
Why Access to music education matters
Lockwood said daily music classes are vital, but only about half of Oklahoma students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade have access to a music teacher in their building. While not a substitute for daily music classes, OKCPHIL’s programs fill gaps for Oklahoma students.
“We want them to see what is possible with instrumental music and encourage them to engage in their own music-making adventures,” Lockwood said. “Whether it’s a three-year-old playing the trumpet for the first time through our Instrument Playground, a nine-year-old delighting in the sound of the viola at our Youth Concerts, or a university student receiving feedback from an internationally revered guest artist at a Masterclass, every educational experience students have with the OKCPHIL should feel enlightening and inspiring.”
Arts education programming for schools
Lockwood is excited about OKCPHIL’s 2025-2026 free and low-cost music education programming, which takes them across the state. The goal is to host 180 performances, giving Oklahoma kids the chance to enjoy live orchestral music through the following programs:
- We’ve Got Rhythm brings OKCPHIL ensembles to metro-area schools for second through sixth graders.
- Rhythm on the Road aims to visit all 77 Oklahoma counties with a string duet. The program is designed for second through sixth graders but can be adapted for K-12.
- Youth Concerts bring students to the Civic Center for a full Philharmonic performance, supported by teacher curriculum.
Through these programs, OKCPHIL offers kids the chance to experience exceptional talent in our state.
“Our musicians show students that there is a path to a career in music right here in Oklahoma,” Lockwood said. “If they can see it, they can be it!”
OKCPHIL for families
The Discovery Family Concert Series features three family-friendly concerts geared toward kids on select Sundays, with pre-concert lobby activities like crafts and an Instrument Playground. Community partners, including high school music and dance groups, often perform alongside OKCPHIL musicians. Details for the Sept. 21 concert can be found here. Additional concerts will take place Feb. 15 and May 3 in 2026. Learn more at okcphil.org.
OKCPHIL for adults
OKCPHIL’s music education programming isn’t just for kids. The Society of Strings offers group instrument lessons for those 18 and older, led by OKCPHIL instructors. The program fills a gap in adult arts education and builds social connections through music. Scholarships are available.
“People always say, ‘It’s hard to make friends as an adult,’ and in the Society of Strings, people have the opportunity to connect with each other while creating beautiful music,” shared Lockwood.
OKCPHIL for the community
“The OKCPHIL is for everyone,” invited Lockwood. OKCPHIL is intentional in bringing elementary-aged students to the Civic Center to help them feel at home in a concert hall, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. Their Scissortail Park public concerts provide a free, casual setting for all community members to enjoy live music.
Even their diverse range of music selections ensures that there’s something for every listener. As Lockwood puts it: the OKCPHIL is “on a mission to let all our neighbors know that they are welcome.”
Christina Mushi-Brunt, PhD, MPH, is a former professor turned freelance writer and public health research consultant. Since moving from Indiana in 2015, she and her family have made their home in Moore. Her favorite role is being mom to her three kids.
