Single Mom’s Foster Child Develops Discipline & Accountability Through Drumming

When Alana Griffin first heard of Fostering Music through an agency, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Fostering Music, the agency told her, could connect her seven-year-old foster child, Dimitri, with an instrument and music lessons. 

That was two years ago. 

Dimitri’s been drumming ever since. 

Getting Interested In Drums

“Dimitri really started drumming when he was much younger,” Alana says. “He had a toy drum he would play with. He always loved drumming and dancing.” 

Thanks to Fostering Music, Dimitri, who’s now nine, received a free electronic drum kit and free drum lessons with Luke, one of our talented instructors. 

Luke visits their home each week to teach Dimitri and his brother, who’s also learning to play the drums. “They’ve really taken to him,” Alana says. “He’s part of the family.”

More Than Just Music Lessons

The results for Dimitri have been incredible.

“It really forces him to focus for 20-30 minutes,” Alana says, “and it’s enough that he can see his own progress. Recently, I’ve noticed that when music comes on, he’ll say, ‘Wow, Mom, I know that beat! I know how to play that!’

“It’s hard to put a dollar amount on it,” Alana continues. “The drums were free. The lessons are free. Someone comes to your house each week, so there are no travel expenses or travel time, which is great for me as a single mom. He’s learning discipline and accountability. It’s incredible.”

Help More Kids Like Dimitri

Now you can help kids like Dimitri access instruments and music lessons! You can make a one-time donation or set up automatic monthly contributions to support Fostering Music. 

Visit our Donation page to learn more: