Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Education Through Music, our programs and school partnerships, our impact on students, and the many ways to get involved and support music education.
About Education Through Music
What is Education Through Music?
Education Through Music (ETM) is a New York City-based nonprofit organization founded in 1991. ETM partners with under-resourced schools to integrate comprehensive music education into the core curriculum, making high-quality music instruction part of students’ regular school experience.
Through its school partnerships, ETM provides music instruction, hires and develops music educators, and helps schools build sustainable music programs that support students’ learning, confidence, creativity, and personal growth.
ETM is the largest non-profit provider of direct & comprehensive music education as a core subject in New York City schools.
What is ETM’s mission?
ETM’s mission is to positively impact the motivation, achievement, and self-confidence of underserved students by integrating music education into the core curriculum of under-resourced schools.
Why is music education important?
Music education is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Learning music gives students opportunities to develop creativity, express themselves, collaborate with others, and build confidence while developing musical knowledge and skills.
Research also points to connections between music education and broader educational outcomes. In a three-year evaluation conducted with Metis Associates, ETM partner schools consistently outperformed matched comparison schools on measures of academic achievement and attendance. Across the three years studied, ETM schools exceeded comparison schools by 15–30 percentage points in the share of schools scoring above their district averages in English Language Arts. ETM schools also had significantly lower chronic absenteeism.
Who does ETM serve?
Music education is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Learning music gives students opportunities to develop creativity, express themselves, collaborate with others, and build confidence while developing musical knowledge and skills.
ETM partners with under-resourced schools across all five boroughs of New York City, reaching approximately 20,000 students during the 2026–2027 school year through 55 school partnerships.
ETM students come from diverse backgrounds and include English language learners and students with special needs. By integrating music education into the school day, ETM helps ensure that students have access to meaningful musical learning regardless of their circumstances.
How long has ETM been around?
ETM was founded in 1991 to address inequities in access to music education. Since then, the organization has provided millions of hours of music instruction and reached hundreds of thousands of students, while helping strengthen the pipeline of qualified music educators in New York City.
Our Programs and Model
What makes ETM’s model different?
ETM builds comprehensive, sequential, and sustainable music programs in partnership with schools. Rather than providing isolated classes or one-time enrichment experiences, ETM works with school leaders to integrate music education into the school’s curriculum and culture.
Our model combines qualified music teachers, a culturally responsive curriculum, ongoing professional development and mentorship, and support for school leaders. The goal is to establish strong music programs that benefit students and become a lasting part of the school community.
Through its school partnerships, ETM provides music instruction, hires and develops music educators, and helps schools build sustainable music programs that support students’ learning, confidence, creativity, and personal growth.
ETM is the largest non-profit provider of direct & comprehensive music education as a core subject in New York City schools.
What does music education look like in an ETM partner school?
Students receive music instruction as part of their regular school day, following a curriculum that develops musical knowledge and skills over time. Depending on the school and its program, students may sing, play instruments, learn musical notation and concepts, and participate in ensembles such as band, orchestra, or chorus.
Music instruction is designed to be inclusive and responsive to students’ backgrounds and needs, with opportunities for collaboration, creative expression, and musical growth.
ETM also hosts winter and spring concerts, Breakfasts with the Band, and other school events to involve families and the school community in the joy of music-making.
How does ETM work with schools?
ETM partners with school leaders to develop programs that reflect each school’s needs and goals. This includes matching qualified music educators with partner schools, supporting curriculum and program development, helping equip music classrooms, and providing ongoing guidance and resources.
ETM also works to strengthen the broader school community through performances, family engagement, and other opportunities to celebrate students’ learning.
Research also points to connections between music education and broader educational outcomes. In a three-year evaluation conducted with Metis Associates, ETM partner schools consistently outperformed matched comparison schools on measures of academic achievement and attendance. Across the three years studied, ETM schools exceeded comparison schools by 15–30 percentage points in the share of schools scoring above their district averages in English Language Arts. ETM schools also had significantly lower chronic absenteeism.
How does ETM support music teachers?
ETM recruits music educators and provides ongoing professional development, instructional supervision, mentorship, and access to curriculum resources and a professional network.
Through its teacher workforce development efforts, ETM also helps early-career educators and qualified musicians navigate the path toward teaching and New York City Department of Education certification. The goal is to strengthen the music teacher workforce while helping educators build successful, sustainable careers.
Does ETM offer concerts and performance opportunities?
Yes. Performances are an important way for students to share what they have learned, celebrate their progress, and connect with their school communities. ETM partner schools hold concerts and other musical events, which can bring together students, educators, families, and community members.
ETM also creates opportunities for students to engage with professional artists and experience music beyond the classroom.
How does ETM measure its impact?
ETM tracks its reach through measures such as the number of students and schools served, hours of music instruction, and music educators hired. The organization also examines student and school outcomes to better understand the broader impact of its programs.
In a three-year evaluation covering 2021–2024, Metis Associates compared ETM schools with matched New York City public schools. The evaluation found that ETM schools consistently outperformed their comparison peers in academic achievement and attendance, including higher performance relative to district averages in English Language Arts and math and lower chronic absenteeism.
School Partnerships
How can a school become an ETM partner?
School leaders interested in building a sustainable music program are encouraged to explore ETM’s school partnership opportunities. ETM works with school leadership to understand each school’s needs and determine how a comprehensive music program can be integrated into its curriculum and culture.
Visit the Partner Schools page to learn more and access the partnership application.
What schools are eligible to partner with ETM?
ETM partners with under-resourced schools in New York City that are interested in making comprehensive music education an integral part of the school day. Because each partnership requires planning and ongoing collaboration, interested school leaders should contact ETM to discuss their school’s needs, program goals, and eligibility.
Does ETM work outside New York City?
ETM’s New York City organization is part of a broader network of organizations bringing music education to students in under-resourced schools. Education Through Music-Los Angeles and Education Through Music-Colorado are independent affiliates that serve their respective communities using the ETM model.
For information about programs in those regions, please visit the ETM National page and follow the links to each affiliate.
Supporting ETM
How can I support ETM’s work?
You can help expand access to music education by making a donation, participating in fundraising events, organizing a fundraiser, exploring corporate partnerships, or sharing ETM’s work with your community.
Financial contributions help sustain music instruction, support educators, and create opportunities for students in under-resourced schools.
Please email development@etmonline.org for any questions or assistance.
Are donations to ETM tax-deductible?
Yes. Education Through Music–NY is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Donors should retain their donation receipts for their records and consult a tax professional with questions about their individual circumstances.
Can I make a recurring donation or give through my employer?
Yes. ETM accepts one-time and recurring donations, and many employers offer matching-gift programs that can increase the impact of an employee’s contribution. Visit the Ways to Give page to explore these options and other opportunities to support ETM.
Can I donate through a donor-advised fund, stock, or another giving vehicle?
Yes. ETM accepts gifts through donor-advised funds, securities, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, and other giving arrangements. For assistance with these gifts, contact development@etmonline.org.
Can I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?
Yes. You can make a tribute gift through ETM’s online donation form, indicating whom you wish to honor or remember. You may also provide information about someone you would like ETM to notify, where appropriate.
Can my company or foundation partner with ETM?
ETM welcomes conversations with companies, foundations, and philanthropic partners interested in expanding access to music education. Opportunities may include financial support, employee engagement, fundraising events, and collaborations that connect students and educators with additional resources and experiences.
Contact ETM to discuss your organization’s interests and explore potential partnership opportunities.
How can artists and entertainers get involved?
Artists and entertainers can support ETM through school visits, student engagement, performances, special events, financial contributions, and other collaborations. ETM welcomes conversations about opportunities that reflect an artist’s interests and availability.
Can I volunteer with ETM?
If you are interested in contributing your time or professional skills, contact ETM at info@etmonline.org to ask about current opportunities and organizational needs.
Careers and Staying Connected
How can I work as a music teacher with ETM?
ETM hires music educators, including early-career teachers, musicians, and qualified professionals interested in pursuing a teaching career. The organization offers school placement, professional development, mentorship, instructional support, and assistance with the process of obtaining New York State teaching certification.
Visit the Teach with Us page to learn about current opportunities and application requirements.
Where can I learn more about ETM’s impact and finances?
ETM publishes information about its programs, outcomes, organizational history, annual reports, and financial statements on its website. Visit the Impact and Annual Reports & Financials pages to learn more about the organization’s work and accountability.
How can I contact ETM?
For general questions, school partnership inquiries, or opportunities to support ETM, email info@etmonline.org or call 212-972-4788. For questions specifically related to donations and giving opportunities, contact development@etmonline.org.