Middle-school age students in New Bedford schools are being offered a new opportunity to expand their musical horizons.

Keith, Normandin, and Roosevelt Middle Schools will soon offer free, weekly group lessons for students interested in learning string instruments.

Kerri Quinlan-Zhou, director of the fine arts program at New Bedford Public Schools tells WBSM News learning a new instrument can lead to greater educational benefits.

The free program being offfered to students in grades 5-8 is possible through a grant from Southcoast Connected, founded by Gerry and Colleen Kavanaugh.

Registration is available at any of the middle schools through the first two weeks of March.

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107