What is the Harmony Program?

The Harmony Program is a not-for-profit organization that utilizes the untapped resources of the city's many college-level musicians to develop the musical talents of young students who would not ordinarily be exposed to music education. Targeting an economically disadvantaged population, the program helps young participants develop basic instrumental skills and an appreciation for music while simultaneously providing training for future teachers.

Harmony's student-instructors receive professional development training, classroom observation and evaluation by a certified teacher, hourly stipends for their teaching services, and occasionally work-study credit from their partnering schools. Harmony's beginner musicians receive musical instruments, music instruction, books, supplies, and tickets to cultural events, all entirely free of charge.

Brooklyn College Pilot Program

This year, the Harmony Program is piloting a promising and highly replicable model of intensive music education in the borough of Brooklyn. The model will incorporate elements of the world-renowned Venezuelan National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras ("El Sistema").

The Harmony Program has recruited undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni of the Brooklyn College Conservatory to teach instrumental music lessons to 45 second- and third-grade children at nearby Public School 152. Lessons take place Monday through Friday afterschool for two hours and consist of small group lessons, sectionals, ensemble playing, and general musicianship classes. During the year, cultural events, including concerts and meet-the-artist opportunities, are available to students, their families and community members.

Much like El Sistema, the Harmony Program will emphasize the influence of music making on social development, will encourage learning through ensemble playing, will create a supportive community for program participants and families, and will require of all involved a high degree of commitment to daily music study.

How Does the Harmony Program Work?

Student Teachers: Harmony selects its instructors via an application process that requires essays, references and personal interviews. Once selected, instructors receive professional development training, formal classroom observation, hands-on teaching experience, and an hourly stipend. Student-teachers are supervised by a certified Department of Education instrumental music teacher and provided ongoing feedback and formal evaluation.

Harmony Students: Children in the program are selected through an application process that requires essays, a teacher's evaluation, and attendance at a program orientation/instrument demonstration. Once selected, participating children receive musical instruments, supplies, daily instruction and a variety of cultural experiences, all free of charge.