MUSICA VIVA NY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Musica Viva NY’s Community Engagement programs aim to inspire, connect and transform lives through high-quality, live music experiences delivered to diverse audiences across New York City-especially those who may not otherwise have access to the arts. We have four core programs that reach over 1,000 participants in New York City annually including: 500+ students in NYC public schools, 200 + children and families at New York Public Library branches, 500+ guests experiencing homelessness or food insecurity through our Music at Meals concert series.
NYC Public School Residencies
Our school programs bring immersive, arts-rich experiences to NYC public school classrooms-experiences that go far beyond the regular curriculum. From composing original film scores to discovering jazz through live performance, students are empowered to explore their creativity and deepen their understanding of music as an expressive art form guided by our professional teaching artistic.
In 2024–2025, we partnered with four schools across Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx reaching over 500 students through concerts and 4to6 week residencies.
“My students are still singing the songs weeks later-it’s stayed with them in a beautiful way.”
–Participating Teacher
Musica Viva NY at the New York Public Library
Musica Viva NY’s Musical Storytime program brings picture books to life through live music at New York Public Library branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Each year, our professional singers visit up to ten locations, performing in rich four-part harmony. The program blends classical selections, creative arrangements of familiar children’s songs, and original music co-created with young audience members during the performance. We also present a special Cinco de Mayo concert annually, celebrating the vibrant music and dance traditions of Mexico.
“It’s magical. The music, the voices, the joy—it’s something the kids will never forget.”
– NYPL Librarian
Mentorship with New Amsterdam Boys and Girls Choir
In this powerful four-phase mentorship program, MVNY soloists partnered with 12 high school singers from the New Amsterdam Boys and Girls Choir for an unforgettable journey of growth and performance.
Youth participants gained technical skills, artistic confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to perform at a professional level and rehearse and perform alongside professional musicians.
“Singing next to someone who does this for a living made me feel like I could do it too.”
– NABGC Participant
Music at Meals with Monday Night Hospitality
Our Music at Meals program, presented in partnership with Monday Night Hospitality, brings live monthly concerts to New Yorkers experiencing housing or food insecurity. Taking place alongside restaurant-style, sit-down meals, these performances reach over 500 individuals each year—offering not just entertainment, but dignity, joy, and emotional connection. The music is deeply personal, with a repertoire curated entirely from song requests made by the guests themselves.
Special thanks to the following funders for making these programs possible:
