Mission

Miami Music Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that uses music as an instrument for social transformation, empowering children to acquire values and achieve their full potential, positively affecting their society through the study and performance of music.

Values

Develop values of community, sharing, and teamwork.

Development

Develop creativity, discipline, perseverance, and self-esteem.

Inspire

Inspire children to reach excellence through their own efforts.

Improvement

Improve the school performance of children.

Unity

Strengthen the unity of families.

The History of Miami Music Project

  • 2008
  • 2009
  • 2010
  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017

  • 2008

    Sub Label Text
    • Maestro James Judd founds Miami Music Project.
    • John S. and James L. Knight Foundation award $1 million challenge grant.
    • Establishes as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

  • 2009

    • Establishes curtail partnership with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and receives an endorsement from the Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
    • Launches Miami Music Project Youth Orchestra, youth ensemble ages 13-21, led by James Judd with its first performance side-by-side professional musicians during the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Family Fest.

  • 2010

    • Designs a music education curriculum in relation to District, State, and National Standards and reaches over 15,000 middle and elementary school students through its In-School Residency.
    • Miami Music Project incorporates El Sistema-modeled program with its first chapter in Doral, opening with 17 students and serves 150 within five months.
    • Begins active participation in El Sistema USA.

  • 2011

    • Produces first stand-alone Miami Music Project Youth Orchestra symphonic performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
    • Reaches over 25,000 students to date through In-School Residency program.

  • 2012

    • Little Haiti Chapter opens with 65 students, grows to 120 in six months.
    • Programming alliances: FIU Music, FIU Center for Children and Families, New World Symphony.
    • Presents at TEDx Youth event at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
    • Adopts first 5-year strategic plan.

  • 2013

    • Receives first-ever National Endowment of the Arts grant.
    • Receives first-ever support from the State of Florida.
    • Gains support of 17-member Board of Trustees to date and establishes Miami Music Project Advisory Board.

  • 2014

    • Opens 3rd community chapter of the Children Orchestras program at Charles R. Drew K-8 Center in Liberty City.
    • Opens 4th community chapter of the Children Orchestras program at Citrus Grove Middle School in Little Havana.
    • Youth Orchestra represents Miami and the United States at the Festival de Saint-Denis/Metis in France for a 3-concert tour.
    • Students participate with other El Sistema inspired programs around the country to take part in the Leadership Forum for Young Musicians in Los Angeles, California.

  • 2015

    • Selected students attend the East Coast Seminario with other young musicians, creating two large orchestras at Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
    • Members of the Youth Orchestra presented an appearance with Sony Masterworks Artist The Piano Guys, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
    • Receives 100% of requested funding from the state of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs in direct support of fees associated with services provided by Miami Music Project Teaching Artists.

  • 2016

    • School Board of Miami-Dade County passes a special proclamation honoring Miami Music Project as a provider of “relevant, rigorous and innovative academics”.
    • Mayor Tomas Regalado invites Miami Music Project students to perform at the historic Freedom Tower during the Consular Corps Christmas Party.
    • Students attend the 2015-2016 MusicLab season, participating for the first time in the MusicLab Finale Concert at New World Center.
    • Students perform at the Aspen Music Festival and Bard College New York.

  • 2017

    • Receives Superintendent’s Choice Award 2017, the highest honor given to community-based organizations by the Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
    • Students perform the National Anthem at the Florida Democratic Party Leadership Gala for Keynote Speaker Vice President Joe Biden.

Instruments of Ambition

“Music has helped me connect with others and understand life. I sit on the Board of Miami Music Project because I believe in children, education, and the power of music. I know when given an opportunity, children will flourish and live a happy life. That’s all we should want.”
Nicole Henry
Jazz Musician & Philanthropist
Miami Music Project Board Member