Sarah McLachlan wants to open school of music in Surrey, B.C.

Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan is hoping to help at-risk and high-needs children in Surrey, B.C. through music.

She first started a school of music in Vancouver in 2002 and is now hoping to expand with new programming south of the Fraser.

"Having a music education can build confidence and creativity, bring together a sense of belonging and community," said Rob Appleton, executive director of the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

Appleton said on Wednesday that the school is hoping to raise $100,000 to start the program at three elementary schools in north Surrey by early 2016.

Pat Horstead, assistant superintendent of the Surrey School District, said the idea to bring the program to Surrey first came when she saw McLachlan perform with students from her School of Music at Stanley Park a few years ago. She found it inspiring.

"We know there is a need in our schools," she said. "We know we have at least 14 schools in Surrey that would be of high need where kids are coming with life challenges and circumstances that would make it difficult for them to access the type of opportunities around music lessons.

The school board would provide the space, help register the students and offer other in-kind support while the School of Music would provide the musicians and lessons.

While Surrey does have a music program, Horstead said the School of Music would be able to provide one-on-one training and more tailored opportunities for students that they wouldn't otherwise get in a classroom.