Student Impact
Transforming lives through music since 1995
At the Noel Pointer Foundation, we are dedicated to transforming lives through music education. Our programs extend across close to 50 Title I schools and daycares, reaching 2,000 students and providing invaluable opportunities for artistic growth and personal development. On-campus programs serve over 150 students during high-risk out-of-school hours, ensuring that our impact continues beyond the classroom.
Our students perform on prestigious stages
like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and Steinway Hall. They have the unique opportunity to collaborate with seasoned musicians, including violinist Mark O’Connor, conductor Ray Chew, Hamilton cast member Jennie Harney-Fleming, the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society, and the Grammy Award Winning Duo Arkai. These experiences foster both talent and confidence, preparing our students for future success.
Our alumni excel
academically and professionally, with 100% of our seniors graduating and moving on to college. Our graduates have continued their studies at renowned institutions such as Juilliard, Yale University, Brandeis, Duke University, and Berklee College of Music.
Who We Serve
Title I Schools and Daycares
Boroughs
Children Served Annually
Over
of Students are Children of Color
Exciting Developments
The Noel Pointer Foundation has received $11.6 million to transform the long-vacant Degraw Firehouse into a state-of-the-art Music Education Center, furthering our mission to provide exceptional music education to students of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
The Impact of Music Education
Academic Improvement
Enhance your musical skills with one-on-one attention and customized learning. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your technique, our dedicated instructors are here to help you achieve your musical goals. Sign up today and start your journey to musical excellence!
Cognitive Benefits
Music education promotes cognitive abilities, brain health, concentration, motor skills, and memory (Journal of Neuroscience, 2019).
Emotional and Mental Health
Music education boosts memory, mood, and other brain functions (Harvard University, 2015).
Increased Graduation Rates
Schools with music programs boast a 90.2% graduation rate and a 93.9% attendance rate, compared to 72.9% and 84.9% in schools without music education (National Association of Music Education, 2006).
Addressing the Disparities:
Despite these benefits, only 5% of orchestra seats nationwide are held by Black musicians. Cuts to arts programs overwhelmingly impact low-income and BIPOC communities. According to the Grammy Music Education Coalition, 3.8 million pre-K-12 students in the U.S. lack access to music education.
At the Noel Pointer Foundation, we are committed to changing this narrative by ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music. Join us in our mission to provide quality instruction and help us change the trajectory of a child’s life through music.