The program coordinator of a Waterloo music school says kids in the region need better access to music programmes that are relevant to them.

The Community Music School of Waterloo Region provides one-on-one lessons to children and youth in the area who couldn't otherwise participate in them, and they want to see more kids involved.

"Music lessons are very cost-prohibitive," said Rebecca McKay in an interview on The Morning Edition, with host Craig Norris and community co-host George Fletcher.

"A lot of families are in communities that might not be able to afford it or don't know how to access it."

And while certain types of music tend to get priority in music education, McKay says the school understands the value of letting kids learn on their own terms and play the kinds of music they're interested in.

"We care about the student and their journey, so we say, 'What do you want to do?'" she said.

Many students in the school also come from some of Kitchener's diverse communities and McKay said this is a space for them to practice music that is familiar and relevant to them.

"They have music that they want to learn from their experience," she said. "And they're also willing to learn other music and other skills to help them achieve their musical and creative goals."