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

  • "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

  • "The program is amazing and has helped me overcome many challenges when playing my instrument. I'm also proud of myself for accomplishing this, as I've always wanted to play an instrument and this program has 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 really want to thank you for giving me the chance to play instruments and learn about the violin! This year, I played the violin. At the time, I was completely new to the instrument. 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

  • “I want to thank you for giving students like me the chance to learn music. 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. I learned plenty about my instrument, and this experience was wonderful."

    -Jenifer H.

  • “When I first joined the orchestra, I was a bit nervous. I felt that if I messed up, it might make people hate me. However, it was very chill, and we had a lot of fun. 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. Even though I didn’t want to join at first, I joined anyway. And now I want to convince you to join and have a great time too”.

    Jacqueline

  • “I want to tell you about my experience in the instrumental program because I know how it feels to be nervous or unsure about trying something new. I was a complete beginner when I first started playing, but I’ve come a long way and I have improved so much too. I really recommend this program not only because I’ve improved, but also because I have a lot of fun which could also be the same for you”

    -Shayla M

  • “I think you should try the Music Program because 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 when playing your instrument and outside of the Music Program too!”

    Isador B.

  • “At first, you will have a wide range of options for which instrument you should choose and will be playing for the rest of the school year. Moving forward, you may feel nervous and scared during the first few days, but throughout the year you will become more comfortable with your instrument and start to have a stronger interest in music. You may even become interested in continuing as a future musician”

    -Josselyn