Music is a powerful tool for community engagement and individual empowerment. Violinist Heather Beckman seeks to share new ideas through this avenue with particularly underrepresented and under-performing neighborhoods. Her latest project, "Raise the Bar" pairs underserved students from Chicagoland with conservatory and professional musicians for mentorship and private lessons. 

A founding member of the Solideo String Quartet (fellowship quartet at University of Illinois) Heather has helped bring classical and contemporary works to fresh spaces and underrepresented communitites, in addition to winning several prizes within their first year.