Teen Pianist Raises Funds for Project Self-Sufficiency

Pianist Olivia Coyle, 18, recently created a CD of her performances and made it available for sale to raise funds for local non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency. The CD is a compilation of works. “I wanted a mix of different types of music, but I also wanted it to be slower-paced and soothing,” explained Coyle, who ultimately selected some favorite pieces by Chopin and others. “I like music’s ability to captivate anyone in the room and help people relax.” The production of the CD was supervised by her piano teacher, Margaret Korczynski, of the Sussex County Music Workshop, where Coyle has studied piano since the age of four.

Coyle has volunteered as a pianist at Project Self-Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Shop and at the agency’s annual celebration for breast cancer survivors. Coyle believes emphatically in the importance of community service and has been inspired to pursue a career in medicine, although she plans to continue performing. “I love helping people.”

Students of the Sussex County Music Workshop, which is co-directed by Margaret and her husband, Edward, are often encouraged to use their musical gifts to benefit others. “Being involved in fundraising creates a feeling of doing something significant for those who need our help in the community where we live. Young people need to develop the sensitivity to help those who are less fortunate,” comments Margaret. “Having a gift of playing piano and the discipline of recording classical music, my students are delighted to be able to raise funds for Project Self Sufficiency.”

“We treasure all of the many volunteers who have used their talents to contribute to our mission,” notes Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are honored to have been chosen to be the recipient of the funds raised by this remarkable young woman, and we wish her the very best as she moves forward.”

Project Self-Sufficiency has provided services to individuals and families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Hunterdon and northern portions of Morris and Warren for more than thirty years. To support the agency, volunteer or find out more information, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

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