Midori & Friends

Midori & Friends harnesses the power of music to transform the lives of children and enrich their communities. Through accessible music education programs, Midori & Friends cultivates a joy of learning, a spirit of service, and courageous self-expression for all, illuminating pathways to a brighter future. For 32 years Midori & Friends, founded by violin virtuoso Midori, has invested in over 320,000 students in NYC by providing tuition-free music education programs. As it ignites positive social change in the rising generations of students and their families, our dynamic music education programs enrich our city and the individual lives that make it great. Midori & Friends makes the music of today and builds the futures of tomorrow.

Midori & Friends is dedicated to fostering a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to unlock their full potential through music. Through our unwavering dedication to accessible music education, M&F envisions a world where the harmonious chords of music unite us all, creating a society where the potential of every person is celebrated. Together, we can orchestrate a future where music enriches lives and serves as a catalyst for positive change. Our commitment to providing accessible programs drives us towards a society where core values such as the joy of learning, the spirit of service, and the courage for self-expression are instilled in every person. These values are the bedrock of our vision for a more inclusive society where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities can flourish. We believe that by nurturing these values through music, we illuminate pathways to a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Goal One: Led by the new Director of Education, M&F seeks to expand the depth & breadth of school and community partnerships to further engage people who lack access to music in the forgotten corners of NYC.

Goal Two: M&F will identify new populations, including seniors, lacking access to music education. We seek to unite community stakeholders to provide engaging music programs to fill this gap.

Goal Three: M&F has launched a Young Professionals Board and youth advisory panel to amplify diverse voices and harmonize the talents of young patrons of the arts to expand our capacity to serve.

New Board members receive an orientation and are mentored by senior officers for one year. They receive training on arts education nuances, including legal aspects, nonprofit governance, tax compliance, and ethical conduct. Workshops keep them updated on governance trends. Staff training covers onboarding, music pedagogy, diversity, equity and inclusion, fostering a culturally responsive curriculum. Weekly sessions and tech training enhance their roles. The NextGen Teen Musician program focuses on youth leadership. Students receive guidance from mentors and artists to develop communication, teamwork, project management, and public speaking skills. Performances boost confidence and an advisory panel involves the teens in decision-making.

Midori & Friends (M&F) quickly pivoted operations to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic. School closures and restrictions on in-person gatherings presented a significant obstacle to providing music education to underserved communities. A leadership transition occurred when Larisa Gelman was named Executive Director in June 2021, marking a critical moment in M&F's journey. With her leadership and fresh perspective, the organization was well-positioned to address the challenges ahead and adapt to the changing landscape of arts education in NYC. M&F expanded and strengthened our team with the addition of a Director of Education, Development Manager, and a Marketing Coordinator. The Director of Education leads program design & implementation, as well as evaluation & assessment to ensure quality control. The Development Manager focuses on seeking non-governmental funding opportunities, helping reduce the organization's reliance on a single source of funding and promoting financial stability. The Marketing Coordinator creates digital content to raise the organization's public profile, making our mission accessible to a broader audience. With the appointment of Board Chair Howard Sendrovitz in June 2023, M&F entered a new phase of governance and strategic planning. Founder Midori's ongoing involvement provides a strong foundation for continuity and strategic direction. Recognizing the need for a robust tool to manage donor relationships, track engagement, and streamline operations, M&F implemented Salesforce to automate workflow, support growth, and enhance data insights.