Songstress Sarah McLachlan gives 'at-risk' youth in Edmonton a voice

At-risk children and youth in Edmonton will now have a chance at a free music education through the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, which has officially openeda campusin the city.

Speakingin Edmonton on Wednesday, McLachlan said music has the power to transform children's lives.

"I wanted to create a space for kids to experience learning music in a nurturing, respectful environment, where they could leave their labels at the door,"the Grammy and Juno Award-winning artist said.

The school project relies solely on donations.Sun Life Financial has donated$300,000 to help launch the three-year pilot project in Edmonton, which involves an after-school program offered at Rundle School.

The students will receive ensemble-based instruction in music fundamentals, guitar, piano, percussion, choir, songwriting, music theory and electronic music.

So far, 48 children have enrolled in the program. Next year, McLachlan hopes for 120.

"Music saved my life when I was growing up," she said. "It gave me such a sense of my own value."