Music Haven Keeps the Music Going

A socially distanced performance. Photo contributed by Music Haven.

While much of the world went quiet during quarantine this summer, Mozart and Bach was played live in households throughout New Haven. The nonprofit music educator Music Haven adapted to online programming and made sure its families were supported so that young chamber musician students could continue with their classical music studies and performances.

Shortly after closing its studio in March, instructors and staff mobilized to bring laptops to students and made sure all could connect to the Internet for remote lessons. They motivated the young musicians with prizes for online practice competitions and kept tabs with the families to make sure they could meet their basic needs. When money for food or rent was needed, the nonprofit stepped up to help with direct assistance or referrals to other resources.

This video tells the story:

Using a recently awarded grant from the Greater New Haven COVID-19 Community Fund, Music Haven was able to offer a 2-week virtual summer session for our students, which culminated in socially distanced outdoor performances in mid-August.

Read this article about a performance in a city parklet.

To learn more about this nonprofit, read the MusicHaven profile on giveGreater.org®.

Did You Know?

Music Haven is a free after-school program that provides boys and girls from struggling neighborhoods in New Haven the opportunity to learn from world-class musicians. The program starts with children as young as six years old and includes both one-on-one lessons and ensembles and trips to concerts.

In addition to providing a music education, Music Haven staff members mentor high school students during their college decision-making process.

This story is part of the Inspiration Monday story series produced by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.