Betsy Bevan was getting over a breakup in 1990, when she decided to attend a workshop by Music for People (MfP) co-founder David Darling at Upstate New York’s Omega Institute. “When I called, there was …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Violist, Composer Leanne Darling
Musician Leanne Darling will sacrifice almost anything for her craft. In 2001, she walked away from a relatively cushy job as assistant principal viola of the Sarasota Orchestra (formerly the Florida West Coast Symphony) to …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Flutist Clint Goss
In 2003, Clint Goss attended his first Music for People (MfP) concert. About midway through the show, he turned to his wife, Vera Shanov, and whispered, “I want to do that.” No sooner had the …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with MfP Program Director Mary Knysh
As the world enters its second year of COVID-19, educators are looking for ways to reinvigorate classroom learning. Music for People (MfP)’s Mary Knysh believes that music-inspired play can help—not just in the band or …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Music Educator Tim Simmons
Tim Simmons believes music comes from the musician, not the instrument. “There’s a song in everyone,” says the affable multi-instrumentalist, who teaches music in grades 1-12 at Delaware Valley Friends School near Philadelphia. “As a …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Performer, Teaching Artist Thomasina Levy
Thomasina Levy insists that music is in everyone—and everything. “We all have drums in the classroom. They’re called ‘desks,’” says the acclaimed performer and teaching artist with a whiff of understatement. “We have so many …
Announcing the Innovative Educator Series – April 11, April 25 and May 2
Teachers of all age levels – both classroom and music specialists – are invited to register for Music for People’s new Innovative Educator Series happening this spring on April 11th, April 25th and May 2nd. …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Trombonist, Singer, DJ Alexander Merz
At David Darling’s recent Celebration of Life, Alexander Merz invited everyone to join him in a daily toning ritual. The exercise, he explained, fosters a sense of community among Music for People (MfP), whose members …
Remembering David Darling (1941-2021)
Friends and colleagues reflect on the legacy of the GRAMMY-winning cellist who co-founded Music for People. David Darling, the GRAMMY Award-winning cellist and composer who co-founded the pioneering arts organization Music for People, died on …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Music Educator, Entrepreneur Jan Magray
After retiring as a hospital chaplain in 2009, Jan Magray responded to a chance opportunity to bring music to children via an afterschool program in St. Petersburg’s underserved Midtown neighborhood. From her first visit to …