Apple Tree Arts was born in 1989 when a small group of parents at a church in Grafton took the initiative to provide music and movement classes for their very young children. At first their idea was simply to extend religious education into a new area -- music and arts -- for spiritual enrichment and a stronger sense of the human community. Subsequent scholarly research has suggested that a rich repertoire of musical experiences in early childhood is essential to the development of musical potential. Gradually, the curriculum was broadened.

Under the broader mission, ATA has grown to a full-fledged, independent community school for the arts, driven by the demand for high quality instruction in a nurturing environment, and by deep reductions of arts programs in public schools. Today, Apple Tree maintains quality programs at over forty pre school and daycare facilities of limited means, offering high-quality music instruction to people of all ages. It is a full agenda, but demand continues to increase.

Level funding from the state's Community Partnership grants means that any expansion will require new outside funding. Here is an opportunity for you to help keep the arts alive and flourishing in the Blackstone Valley and Greater Worcester area!