About us

The Multicultural Music Group, Inc. (MMG) is a nonprofit organization established in 1996 with a mission to present history through music. Our foundational program, Playing History (PH), offers integrated arts/humanities services with composers, musicians, teaching artists, scholars.

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Symphonic Youth Program

FOR 30 YEARS, MMG HAS BROUGHT FREE, HIGH-CALIBER MUSIC EDUCATION TO OVER 15,000 NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS, WITH 80% OF GRADUATES ADMITTED TO SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOLS.

PH/Symphonic Youth Program (PH/SYP) offers after school music training to NYC youths, ages 11 to 18, featuring a “Music Mentorship” component for simultaneous multi-level learning and development of social-emotional skills.

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Encounters Concert Series

Our PH-Multicultural Music Encounters (PH-MME) Concert Series has commissioned and premiered 80 original symphonic works written by influential living composers of color and performed by the MMG Orchestra, with contributing scholars to tell the less-represented historical narratives of our global communities.

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Professional Development

EACH YEAR, MMG EQUIPS AND COMPENSATES OVER 100 TEACHING ARTISTS AND PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS. 60% OF OUR PERFORMERS & EDUCATORS HAVE WORKED WITH MMG FOR 15 OR MORE YEARS. EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITIES THROUGH MUSIC.

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Support Us

We are a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that operates on generous support from individuals, companies, foundations, and government agencies. Your contribution directly fuels tuition-free music education, commissions new orchestral works by composers of color, and brings high-caliber cultural performances to families and audiences across New York City.

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30

YEARS OF IMPACT

3,000

ANNUAL ATTENDEES

15,000

STUDENTS SERVED

Student Voices

Student Voices

  • "This program helped me connect more with the world of music... Thank you so much for giving me, alongside other children, the chance to play music. You are amazing people."

    — Adelaide, Alto Saxophone Student

  • "I'm proud of myself for accomplishing this. I've always wanted to play an instrument and this program helped me find the one for me."

    — Melina, Cello Student

  • "This year, I played the Alto Saxophone, and it helped me vary in the music I enjoy... my instructors have had a large impact on how I've played, and will forever inspire me to do better. Thank you!"

    — Natalia, Alto Saxophone Student

  • "I was afraid of not being able to learn a whole new instrument and keep up with everyone else. But with your help and the teaching, I was able to learn new songs and new fingerings!"

    -Sona M.

  • "This program allowed me to further my musical knowledge greatly and gave me the opportunity to try something new. It has overall been a really fun time for me, and I’m sure it was a fun time for everyone else in the program too.”

    - Adeline K

  • “This year, I played the violin, and it helped me feel safe. I am grateful for joining this program and for all the memorable experiences it gave me. "

    -Jenifer H.

  • “I felt like I belonged, and it was very nice playing with a huge variety of different instruments, since I was used to a string orchestra as a violinist.”

    Jacqueline

  • “I was a complete beginner when I first started playing, but I’ve come a long way and I have improved so much."

    -Shayla M

  • “You learn so much. Not only how to play your instrument and read notes on a sheet of music paper or songs, but also how to be brave and confident..."

    Isador B.