ROCKLAND — Midcoast Music Academy is raising $15,280 in 45 days to spread music education in the Midcoast. Midcoast Music Academy (MCMA) is a community music school founded in January 2012 by Berklee College of Music graduate Tom Ulichny.

MCMA provides the highest quality music instruction to students of all ages and skill levels in a relaxed and creative environment, combining the fundamentals of music – theory, notation, and ear training – with a contemporary approach to learning.

MCMA currently has reached more than 350 students in the greater Rockland area including more than 65 private students, according to a news release. In addition to private instruction, the school offers a range of programs and community events, presentations, and workshops.

MCMA Director Tom Ulichny said in the news release that the school "deeply values community collaborations" and has "partnered with over twelve local area schools and nonprofits to deliver community programming to children, special needs students, seniors, and at-risk teens" so far in its first three years.

MCMA also places a high priority on accessible education — in their first operating year, the school supported three scholarship students; in 2013, they supported five; and in 2014 they supported seven. Their 2015 scholarship campaign, currently underway, has a target goal of supporting ten scholarship students.

MCMA's 2015 Campaign launched on March 3 with a goal of raising $15,280 in 45 days for scholarship support and facility expansion. The campaign has raised $3,435 in its first 12 days through 61 supporters.

The school is currently at capacity and has waitlisted a dozen new inquiries since February, so in addition to supporting 10 scholarship students, the campaign will allow MCMA to build a third lesson room and accommodate a total of 120 students.

Campaign supporters may select from a wide range of "perks" in exchange for their donations such as custom guitar pics, Strand Theater movie tickets, t-shirts and sweatshirts from Sea Street Graphics, and gift certificates to local businesses.

MCMA is also actively seeking corporate and business sponsors to support its students; sponsors will receive widespread PR and public acknowledgements.

Midcoast Music Academy has organized two public events for people to learn more about the school and its programming during the course of the campaign: a free open house through Midcoast Magnet's Munchies and Mingling series with live music, wine, and light refreshments, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 7; and a MCMA Student Open Mic at Rock City Coffee from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, April 16 to celebrate the final evening of the campaign.

For more information on the effort, visit the campaign's website at www.igg.me/at/mcma or the school's website at www.midcoastmusicacademy.com.

Interested supporters may also send checks made payable to "Midcoast Music Academy Scholarship Fund" to Midcoast Music Academy, 279 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841.