Music for Youth Testimonials

What Parents Are Saying….

  • "Nurture and Inspire Young Musicians"

    "Music for Youth has been instrumental in my daughter Avigail’s growth as a musician. This year, she once again won the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association competition and will go on to represent Connecticut at the regionals. The pieces she performed—Beethoven and Prokofiev—were ones she developed and refined through multiple Friday Night Cafe concerts. The opportunity to perform regularly in front of a live audience has been invaluable; it’s an essential part of the artistic process that can’t be replicated in the practice room. The supportive environment that MFY provides has helped Avigail elevate her musicianship and confidence to an entirely new level. We are deeply grateful for all that Music for Youth does to nurture and inspire young musicians."

    — Parent of Avigail, MFY Musician (Pianist)

  • "Truly Special Experiences"

    My son James has participated in several Friday Night Café performances organized by Music for Youth over the past three years. These events have been truly special experiences for him. The warm, encouraging environment created by MFY gave James the confidence to perform in front of an audience and to share his love of music with others.

    Through these performances, he not only gained valuable stage experience but also grew tremendously as a young violinist—learning to express himself, connect with fellow musicians, and experience the joy of live performance. I’m extremely grateful to MFY for providing such meaningful opportunities for young musicians to learn, perform, and be inspired.

    — Parent of James, MFY Musician (Violinist)

What Alumni Are Saying…

  • "Thank you, Music for Youth, for giving us a community".

    Music for Youth has been an essential part of my musical journey. It has always been a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environment—one that encourages young people to take the next step. With its emphasis on engagement and participation, Music for Youth celebrates each of us for what we have achieved in the moment. While excellence is supported and nurtured, it is always secondary to participating for the pure joy of making music. For young artists pursuing a career in an increasingly competitive music world, this perspective is invaluable.

    Through Music for Youth, I met other young musicians by performing and accompanying at the Friday Night Café, attending MFY concerts, receiving paid performance opportunities, and presenting recitals in their Emerging Artists Series.

    Perhaps most importantly, Music for Youth gave my mother and me a community when we moved from Australia to Connecticut for my violin studies just before my 13th birthday. I will never forget arriving back from the devastating 2019 bushfires and receiving our first call at JFK—from Music for Youth—asking about the impact of the fires on our community. They were already organizing a fundraising concert to support those affected in Australia. This generosity embodies MFY’s vision: to uplift others through music and to make music part of a broader, more meaningful life. Making and sharing music strengthens communities and builds social connection—something essential for young performers seeking to grow.

    Thank you, Music for Youth, for giving us a community.

    —Cedar Newman (22), Manhattan School of Music, B.M. Violin Performance, Presidential Scholarship Holder

  • "It's about growing as an artist through performance."

    Music for Youth and the Marianne Liberatore Instrumental Competition have played a major role in my development as a musician. What makes MFY so special is the way it provides real, meaningful performance opportunities—something that’s becoming increasingly rare for young musicians. Competing and performing through MFY taught me how to channel nerves, focus under pressure, and connect authentically with an audience. Those experiences gave me a level of comfort and confidence that helped me tremendously when it came time for my conservatory auditions. What I appreciate most about MFY is how it promotes healthy, supportive competition. It’s not about winning—it's about growing as an artist through performance.  

    — Andrew (18), Freshman at the Cleveland Institute of Music

What Teachers and Mentors Are Saying…

  • "Grateful for their support and contribution"

    As a piano teacher, I understand how important it is for students to have an audience to share their performances with. Music for Youth provides a beautiful piano, a welcoming stage, a well-organized program, and wonderful encouragement for budding musicians. My students and I are very grateful for their support and contribution.

    — Li-Pi Hsieh, Piano teacher

  • "A truly rewarding experience"

    As a professional artist and mentor, being part of Music for Youth’s Emerging Artists program was a truly rewarding experience for me. I appreciated the opportunity to work closely with a young musician and to witness both the challenges she faced and the creative, thoughtful solutions she developed along the way.

    What stayed with me most was how effectively MFY connects education with live performance. The program offers young musicians not only the chance to perform, but also the opportunity to engage deeply with the process of preparing, communicating, and sharing music. Through mentorship, students are encouraged to explore ideas openly, build confidence on stage, and develop a genuine relationship with music.

    What makes MFY especially impactful is its commitment to cultivating both young performers and future audiences. By connecting young musicians with professional artists through live performance and mentorship, MFY creates an environment where learning, performance, and community naturally come together.

    Jihyun Baik, Violinist & Teaching Artist,
    DMA, Manhattan School of Music