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 …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Therapeutic Teaching Artist Steven Hosking
More than a decade ago, Steven Hosking was just another struggling actor in New York, chasing down a dream. Only his dream turned into a nightmare when chronic anxiety and fear took hold of him, …
David Darling (1941 – 2021) – Passing of Music for People’s Co-founder
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of David Darling, co-founder of Music for People (MfP). The GRAMMY Award-winning cellist died peacefully at home on Friday, surrounded by members of …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with MfP Board Member Alison Weiner
Leave it to Alison Weiner, a self-described “improvising musician,” to debunk any misconceptions about “free improvisation.” In fact, the North Carolina-based pianist avoids using the term altogether, claiming it to be misleading. “‘Free improvisation’ suggests …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Canadian Singer-Songwriter Jane Lewis
With her trademark curls and gutsy stage presence, Jane Lewis is often compared to the legendary hitmaker Carole King. “I take it as a compliment,” says the Canadian singer-songwriter, whose own material exudes a certain …