Joy of Music Program, Inc.

Two of our children were students at Joy of Music Program and it was a great preparation for learning to play in different jazz ensembles as well as overall skill level. The staff was very dedicated and caring in developing each student. The building creates a community school environment.

The philosophy of the Joy of Music Program makes the kids love music and develop their artistic creativity.

The quality of the faculty is not only outstanding in terms of musical knowledge, but they use also empathy with the students in their pedagogy. As well the staff is very professional, respectful and sweet :) ... I'm impressed how much great activities they can present per year with just a few personnel.

I have interacted with some universities and schools in different countries and the commitment, passion, and vision of Mrs. Wendy and Mr. Rich are totally out of the chart. The joy for music they feel comes directly from their hearts with limitless and unconditional love, contagious to every one that surround them.

Specifically for my family, we are very very very thankful for all the donors that make possible the the scholarship and financial aid program. The talent of my son, Max, for drums had a tremendous boost thanks to the dedication of his tutor Mike. Without this scholarship wouldn't be possible take advantage of his effort; as well with Mrs. Nan in the children's chorus.

JOMP is a community valid to present as paradigm to be emulated in all states and abroad.

Eternal gratitude to all the team, Stacy, Sue, Anne, etc, that makes JOMP a second family!

What an extraordinary community music school JOMP is! I have been sending my child to JOMP for the past 9 years for private instrument instruction as well as for various ensemble activities ranging from small scale string ensembles to full sized orchestra. What makes this music school so special is the vision and philosophy of Wendy and Rich on which the school is based, and the way in which they realize their ideals. Over the years I have seen their ideals being implemented through their very careful selection of wonderful teachers, through the way in which they organize and structure various ensemble groups, through their very generous financial aid programs, and through their many fund-raising efforts. As the result, what Wendy and Rich created in JOMP is not just a successful music school but rather an incredible community of students, teachers, parents and donors sharing the joy of music, and bonded though the joy of music. Without this special nurturing environment and the generous financial aid provided by JOMP, my child would not be the musician she is today.

I had an amazing experience here participating in the jazz ensembles and the orchestra. The private lessons that I had here were also outstanding and boosted my playing tremendously.

We raised our daughters on a very limited income, and the girls did not have television, cell phones or video games. But they did have music lessons, thanks to JOMP's generous financial aid. Between them, the girls took part in JOMP for more than 12 years, and every year we were offered financial aid. Both girls studied with wonderful, talented teachers, and were given chances to perform regularly. Our older girl eventually chose sports over music. But her younger sister blossomed playing the violin, I think particularly because of the opportunities JOMP offers to students, at a very young age, to join string ensembles. Our daughter loved playing with other musicians, and her participation in JOMSE and then JYO spanned 10 years, and most years she also played in a JOMP chamber group. She has gone on now to study violin in a college music program, but looks forward to returning as an alum to play with JYO in the annual Gala.

This is my daughter’s third year as a JOMP student. My husband and I have no background in music, so it is a *joy* to have faculty and staff provide such a rich learning and performing environment for her that is also welcoming to us. It’s a wonderful family!

I am turning 65 next month and may be the oldest or one of the older students at Joy of Music Program. I have been studying saxophone with Vlad Vaskevich for the past two years. I have also become involved with ensemble work with Rich Ardizzone. The experience has been very enriching. The quality of instruction has been top notch. I feel very challenged by the work and am often made to stretch my comfort zone to enhance my learning.

The Joy of Music Program is truly a gem. My son was plodding along with a very nice but uninspiring music teacher. We got a recommendation for a saxophone teacher at JOMP, and it *completely* changed my son's experience. Having an outstanding teacher who loves what he does - it made all of the difference. My son is now deeply engaging with music - loving it and having fun. Many thanks to Wendy, Rich, and all of the JOMP staff and teachers for making this possible.

When I moved to Worcester in 1983, I served on the Worcester Cultural Commission. I was impressed when I read about JOMP then. I remain impressed today. My daughter has been a student at JOMP for the past four years. The cello training she receives is extraordinary, the environment is warm and welcoming, the opportunities to perform in the JOMP-a-thon are great. The encouragement JOMP gives students to perform outside of the school under the vigilance of their mentors is an addition strength. I think the founders, Wendy and Rich, are gifts to our community. This organization, with its lengthy track record, is a wonderful nonprofit organization, totally deserving of this award.

The Joy of Music Program has been integral to my three children's music education. They each were able to explore a variety of instruments in a supportive, fun environment surrounded by dedicated adults who have devoted their lives to music and sharing that gift with the next generation. Whether it was starting out with Music and Movement or ORFF classes, or doing private lessons with recorder, violin, guitar or piano, we have had nothing but excellent experiences at The Joy of Music Program. It really is a lovely community where we look forward to seeing friends each week and we especially appreciate the friendly staff and the love and dedication that Rich and Wendy pour into their work, ensuring that music education is available to everyone.

Such a warm and welcoming environment! Programs for every level and ability.

My son has been attending Joy of Music for 2 years. He loves taking lessons there and being a member of their Symphonetta. The staff at JOMP has created a caring, stress free environment that fosters a love of music and participation in their students. The teachers are unbelievably talented and are able to teach their knowledge and develop their student's musical skills. As a result, the students are encourages and able to showcase what they have learned. Regardless of the level of musical knowledge a child has, JOMP embraces them and celebrates their abilities.

As a student at the Joy of Music Program, I had the opportunity to further myself musically through the faculty, performing opportunities, connections I made while learning. Without the Joy of Music Program, I most likely would not be at the level I am at now without this learning opportunity. While at the program, I learned to be a member of a jazz ensemble, improvise, and compose. These important skills have carried over to college where I now study as a Jazz Studies Major. I have found that my skills seem to exceed those of my classmates and be on par with the class above me. The Joy of Music Program unique teaching approach has helped myself and countless others foster their love for music as a career or hobby that will last a lifetime.

What an incredible COMMUNITY music school centrally located right here in Worcester, MA extremely easy to get to with quick access to nearby highways making our TWICE a week commute from Leominster very doable. Our son, Ryan, has been playing the sax since 5th grade while taking private lessons locally in Leominster. His musical abilities quickly flourished and we began our search in 7th grade for advanced musical studies for him. It truly was a blessing to personally visit with JOMP and see for ourselves all that the Joy of Music Program has to offer -- a musical door truly opened that day for Ryan and for our family!

Being hopeful to find a good fit for Ryan, we couldn't believe all that JOMP has to offer - 1:1 with amazingly talented, exceptional professional music teachers who possess such passion, dedication and patience, with a knowledgeable, friendly staff who all truly care about each of their students with such genuine warmth and compassion!

We feel very much like a family at JOMP connected by our joy for music. Ryan thoroughly looks forward to his weekly sax lessons & Jazz Ensemble with his instructor Tucker Antell and the time Ryan and Tucker share together collaborating is TRULY PRICELESS! Tucker is such an incredibly talented professional musician and his personal demeanor and outstanding teaching abilities exceed our high expectations. Ryan leaves his Jazz lessons feeling refreshed and engerized with such enthusiasm for his music. This speaks volumes to us and Ryan's musical knowledge and abilities have grown significantly in just 2 years since joining JOMP.

Tucker Antell is a fine example of the many very talented and professional music instructors that make this exceptional music school - OUTSTANDING!

After two exceptional years with JOMP, we recently contemplated our ability to afford to continue Ryan's music instruction knowing he would soon be attending private high school this Fall. JOMP made us quickly realize that with Ryan's strong musical talent, along with his hard work and dedication to his musical journey, he should indeed continue and JOMP graciously awarded Ryan with a financial aid package allowing us to continue making affordable monthly payments while Ryan continues to study under such incredible mentors.

We are excited and very grateful to be part of this remarkable music school and with the recent expansive beautiful auditorium, all of the music performances will be even more extraordinary for all to enjoy!

It's a true pleasure to be part of JOMP and to share and encourage anyone who may be musically interested, at any music level, to learn more about this outstanding community music school. We highly recommend a visit, meet the staff, and personally see this impressive school for yourself -- you will be very glad you did!

Check out their website: www.jomp.org

JOMP is where I credit the vast majority of my high school musical training that prepared me for college, graduate school, and a career as a professional saxophonist. If it were not for this amazing program, the arts community of central Massachusetts would be at a serious loss.

As far as the comment about this place being a "rip-off", I couldn't disagree more. Tuition at JOMP serves to pay the outstanding teachers who are at the top of the field, the staff (who, after ten years, still recognize and hug me and my family), and to give scholarships to hard-working students who are eager to learn. I happily drove 20-30 minutes each way, paid the tuition, and still donate to their scholarship fund because, if it were not for this organization, there would be far less artists and music lovers in the world.

I love JOMP. I went to JOMPathon January 29th 2011. The atmosphere was happy and warm. I knew I would learn music here. I started taking trumpet lessons from Jerry Sabatini in February 2011. This has been so rewarding and has enriched my life. You feel very comfortable and at home in JOMP. It is a wonderful place to come and learn music from some of the best teachers and performers in New England. I also volunteer and attend most events put on by JOMP.

JOMP was a huge part of my childhood, and I cannot say enough good things about them. They offer an incredible music program, and what really sets them apart is their focus on collaboration and individual growth as a musician, rather than competition between students. Their financial aid program makes them accessible to students from all backgrounds, and at all levels of musicianship (not just child prodigies and superstars -- if a kid needs financial aid for her first recorder class, she can get it). When I was a student, I benefited from their financial aid program, and in their last year, they gave out over $110,000 in financial aid. I am so glad to be able to support this amazing organization.

They're all about the the $$$$. Give them more...$ and they will like you.

My kids have gone to Jomp. I started sax lessons as an adult at Jomp. My daughter's week is not complete without her orchestra practice at Jomp. My week is not complete without my Jazz ensemble at Jomp. The instructers are unbelievable and supporting. A GEM IN WORCESTER!!

I was a teacher at JOMP for 10 years and found the school a refreshing change from the other competitive, high-pressure inistitutions at which I teach. The environment at JOMP is nurturing, supportive, and the student body truly cares about making fine music together. The faculty is top-notch; but even though they have come from some of the most competitive schools in the country (and world), they treat their students with kindness and respect while encouraging them to challenge themselves and strive for excellence.

I have been involved with the Joy of Music Program for 14 years as a parent of a student, a beginning adult student, and a board member. I have the greatest respect for this organization. JOMP is truly a community music school accessible to all regardless of age, income and ability through JOMP's outreach, student and faculty performances, and the financial aid program. The school is run with great care and dedication. It matches teacher to student and selects teachers based not only on their talent but on their ability to nurture, encourage and adapt to each student's needs. Central Massachusetts is fortunate to have this wonderful school that not only develops great musicians but also teaches the love of music.

In 2001 we were in search of a saxophone instructor for my son, an aspiring young musician. JOMP was recommended to us. My son took private saxophone and jazz instruction at JOMP throughout his entire high school career, working primarily with Jim Allard and Jerry Sabatini. He enjoyed working with these and many of the other talented instructors at JOMP. During that time my son was selected to play in the MMEA Sr. Central District Jazz band twice, in his sophomore and senior years of high school. He went on to major in music in college and during the summer months has partipated in JOMP's alumni programs. JOMP is a very well run music school with excellent and inspiring instructors and outstanding program leadership. We continue to support JOMP every year with their Annual Fund, used to provide music instruction scholarships. I highly recommend JOMP and support and admire their service to community.

JOMP has been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years. I've never experienced another community that offers such support, individual attention, and love. JOMP reaches out to everybody and lets them know they're valued.

I have been teaching guitar at JOMP for the past few years and I appreciate more and more the fine work that Wendy and Rich do in running the school, and in their personal relations with the faculty and the community. As a teacher I feel I am respected, and carefully considered by the directors, staff, and other teachers, and have made some of the most satisfying connections with students in my 30 odd years of teaching.

I have been a board member for about 10 years. Wendy Ardizzone had a wonderful vision which is reflected in the school's mission. She and Rich are extraordinarily talented and energetic musicians and administrators which has resulted in them fulfilling that mission for many years now under challenging financial constraints. Worcester is very lucky to have the school.

I've been involved with JOMP since I was five or six years old -- first through music and movement, then chorus, then private piano and flute lessons and various ensembles. I can honestly say that very few things were more central to my growth than JOMP was. The chamber orchestra, especially, was a great thing for me throughout high school - it was a privilege to be able to play fantastic repertoire at Mechanics Hall twice a year. I think what sets JOMP apart from other music programs is the faculty... there's a ridiculously high concentration of teachers who are really exceptional musicians and people who care so much about imparting their love of music to their students.

I have two children who are study at JOMP, my son studies clarinet for about 4 years, my daughter started to take cello lessons last September. My children love their teachers, they leanred so much in such short period. This is such a nice program to teach music, and both of them made great progress. I also have been impressed by other students every time attending their recitals. I feel so fortunate to have a great music school in our community

I have been a student at the Joy of Music Program for over 5 years now. I have taken private violin lessons, and have been a member of the Joy of Music Chamber Orchestra, as well as many different string ensembles. I have loved every minute of my time there. I love the fact that JOMP is such a welcoming community of musicians. I will be graduating from high school this year but look forward to coming back to JOMP as an alumni! I hope to major in violin performance or music theory/compostition in college.

This is an amazing organization. I'm an adult who studied classical music as a young person. After 30 years away from playing music, I decided to pick it up again by taking jazz lessons. The school welcomed me with open arms, and for the last three years, any evening I spend playing music there during a lesson or ensemble is truly the best night of my week. The instructors not only play at the highest professional levels, they pass on their own joy of music with expertise and patience. It's wonderful to see this kind of learning experience available to both young and old. Great facility, great staff, great community music school.

I am a high school junior, and I have been at the Joy of Music Program since I was 4 years old. I’ve done a number of groups and private lessons over the years, and I must say that I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. Part of this has to do with the fact that JOMP always hires the most spectacular faculty around. I have had the privilege of working with faculty on both the jazz wing and the classical wing of the school, and whatever the genre of music, the instruction is always first-rate. Another thing that makes the school so great is the warm, inviting atmosphere that director Wendy Ardizzone and associate director Rich Ardizzone have created at JOMP’s home in Worcester. The whole experience is one that is supporting and encouraging, no matter what a player’s skill level may be. I highly recommend the Joy of Music Program for anybody who wants a positive, uplifting experience.

I learned of JOMP when our children were very young. They took early childhood music classes at a different community music school but when it came time to begin violin lessons, that school did not have a female teacher which was our daughter's preference. We turned to JOMP and were pleased at the array of choices in scheduling and faculty. Our three daughters have been taking lessons at JOMP for the past 6 years under the instruction of the same teacher. We have been most appreciative of and delighted by the services JOMP provides. They have been unerring in their level of professionality in both administration and music instruction. We have always felt welcome there and find JOMP to be a very important part of our family's experience.

This is my first year teaching piano at JOMP, and I have been very impressed with the overall professionalism of all the staff, and faculty. JOMP has a very friendly, and welcoming environment to everyone. It's great that students have a place to go in the community to learn, grow, and develop their musical talents.

I've had children attend the school, have served on the board, and have taken lessons (group jazz improvisation) and so have seen all aspects of JOMP has it has grown from a couple of classes in a church basement to a full-blown community music schools that purchased its own building and serves about 500 students. JOMP is a top-notch community music school that provides excellent music instruction capitalizing on students' natural curioities and talents to lead them along whatever musical path they choose to take. The fact that many JOMP graduates have gone on to careers in music is a testament to the quality of instruction; but an equal testament is the sheer number who wind up making music a part of their life. The administrators, Wendy and Rich Ardizzone, take great care in assisting students in the choice of teachers and ensembles, and they have assembled a faculty that is simpatico with their goal of making music a natural part of childrens' lives. The commitment to financial aid -- about $100,000 annually for a school with a budget of around $700,000 -- speaks of JOMP's commitment to all sectors of the community. This school is a cultural gem that deserves support.

Our children have both gone to JOMP since they were 3 and took Music and Movement with Wendy, then recorder classes and various instrument classes. We've loved the philosophy at the school that music is an integral part of everyone's life, and that supports both the young people who are clearly on a path to professional music and those who enjoy playing at a different but still important level of skill.

It is a wonderful, well-run organization. The teachers and staff are dedicated to both music and the musical development of their students. Regardless of a student's ability, JOMP encourages participation and personal growth. Our three children participated across various instruments (drums, piano and violin) and at differnet levels between 1996 and 2008. We continue to give to JOMP each year because of the benefits that our children received and the valuable role it plays in the greater Worcester community.

Having a child in lessons at JOMP is a wonderful experience. The environment is disciplined and nurturing. Everyone involved, staff, volunteers, boardmembers, parents and students are all dedicated to the program. Wendy and Rich Ardizzone, director and associate director, lead by example. In their passion for musical education and dedication to the students no, detail escapes.

JOMP has been a huge part of my life for a number of years. I still remember the first time I walked into the building for lessons. At the time I was 12 years old, and I thought I was the greatest thing to have ever happened to the world of drums, but then my world changed once I met Mike Connors, one of the many excellent teachers currently at JOMP. By the end of our first lesson, my outlook on music began to change drastically. Now I'm 18 years old, and going to college for music in the fall. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be the musician I am today without JOMP's guidance, from Mike Connors' excellent drum tutelage, to Jerry Sabatini's way of understanding theory, to all the different Piano teachers I've had, to the incredible Jazz ensemble experience from Rich Ardizzone, Chris Veilleux, and Jerry, and to all the other JOMP faculty I've had the pleasure of working with, including Wendy Ardizzone and Tim Terranella. JOMP is a great place for any musician, whether you're just starting out or extremely advanced, and I recommend it to anyone interested in music.

I have been a part of the Joy of Music Program community for almost 13 years. During this time, my children have taken classes and private lessons and participated in both classical and jazz ensembles. JOMP has been an extremely important part of my children’s lives, both educationally and socially. As a parent and a volunteer, I have also thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school. The teachers are unbelievably talented and dedicated, and Rich and Wendy are always available to give advice and support to JOMP students and families. In addition to the wonderful experiences available at the school, I appreciate the opportunities that are often offered to JOMP students to participate in exciting events outside of the school (e.g., First Night Worcester). Rich and Wendy have truly created an extraordinary community; if you’re looking for a first-rate music education in warm and supportive environment, I can’t imagine any school fitting the bill better than the Joy of Music Program.

Excellent program, excellent administration, lots of fun and a friendly, family-like atmosphere!! :) I would highly recommend this non-profit to anyone who loves music and wants to learn more!

I have been a teacher and educational administrator in both public and private settings for forty years and have only the highest praise for the Joy of Music Program (JOMP). My oldest daughter (14) has been a recorder student for a number of years. My youngest (8) is in her second year at JOMP and I started taking piano lessons in September. Why should the kids have all the fun? The program is extremely well organized. The teachers are top notch and the directors are wonderful people who are dedicated to teaching and appreciating music. The center offers a great opportunity for music instruction on any instrument at any skill level and at any age.

I began taking music lessons at JOMP when I was four years old. It was the very first year JOMP began and I have been beyond grateful ever since. I am currently pursuing my MFA at the California Institute of the Arts and attribute my ability to quickly pick up rhythms to the music and movement classes I took with Wendy as a child. I have also been able to study multiple genres of music: classical, jazz, and traditional Irish music, in large part due to the generosity of JOMP. For several years, my parents were unable to afford music lessons but through a donation and work-study, I was offered lessons for no cost. This allowed me to study jazz and classical flute which have led to my current profession as a performer. The Joy of Music Program is truly about the JOY of music-- not competition, not ego, not money. The staff, teachers, environment, and JOMP community were the best musical foundation I could have asked for. I can't say enough about this organization and music will be my career and my joy for the rest of my life thanks to Wendy, Rich, and JOMP. They are truly above and beyond a music school and are worthy of financial support.

Over the past 14 years I have been both a student (drum, recorder) and a volunteer at JOMP. A retired librarian, I set up and maintain the program's library of several hundred music-related books and several thousand pieces of music. In addition, I lead a weekly drumming group at a nursing home, with particularly satisfying response from Alz- heimer's petients. The high standards maintained by faculty and staff together with their commitment to inclusivity have made JOMP a Worcester county treasure.

The Joy of Music Program in Worcester is a gem in the center of a state full of music opportunities. Having been a parent of a student, a board member and a student, I can say that the quality of teaching, overall mission to encourage joy while playing and listening to music, and community outreach is incomparable. The quality of the teaching staff is superlative and the caring, joyful & accepting atmosphere is like no other music school. One of many favorite memories is of being part of an impromptu audience, in the waiting room, for a child that wanted to share an exciting accomplishment.

My children have taken music lessons at JOMP for over 10 years. From recorder to piano to guitar to voice, all of the teachers have been wonderful. I was especially appreciative when after my daughter had a bad experience with a voice teacher at another school, Wendy went out of her way to be able to provide lessons at JOMP. It is a wonderful place - bringing the JOY of music to all who enter.

An important part of JOMP's mission has always been to provide musical exposure, experience and learning to as wide a spectrum of the community as possible. From the aged to toddlers, JOMP has been tireless in its determination to provide concert and learning experience for a wide swath of ages i or community. For many years I worked with them to insure that low income children from our school age program might have this experience via their vital scholarship programs. Without that assistance and the hard work by administration and instructors, our children would not have had the life- changing and joyful experience music provides for the human spirit. And because they believe in the importance of all arts, JOMP has worked with me in the past to provide programs of music and poetry for to celebrate the importance and interrelationship of each. With their assistance and their allowing the use of their concert hall for said programming we were able to give an experience for a total audience of near 200 people over a 5 week span. Their importance to the community is beyond measure.

The folks at Joy Of Music share their joy wih so many others and offer opportunities for others to really find the joy in music! They are true community collaborators and each audiences in creative ways- such as offering drumming sessions to deaf children- who feel the music! Wendy and Rich are generous in all ways to those who want to make music a part of their lives. It is never easy to ask for financial assistance and the folks at JOMP understand this, so make the process more comfortable for people who do ask. It is clear they really want children (of all ages!) to learn about and love music. They are awesome! Oh, did I mention- the staff and faculty are some of the most skilled, talented and inspiring individuals I have ever met!

Having been involved with the Joy of Music Program (JOMP) since the early '90s, first as a parent, then as a board member, and as a continuous donor for nearly fifteen years, I have a long view of this community music school. What I have seen is consistent clarity of mission: dedication to the well being of every student and tireless (almost selfless) advocacy for the belief that all young people, irrespective of means, deserve the opportunity to experience the joy of art. JOMP serves as a role model for all non-profit organizations in the central Massachusetts area (and beyond): it's success will likely enhance the success of many younger (local) non-profits. While I no longer live in in central Massachusetts, I intend to follow JOMP's growth as well as to support it's mission.

My son's former piano teacher chased him away from the piano, in spite of his love of playing. Wendy said she would find the right teacher and she did. He ended up playing piano and later jazz guitar and became a music major in college - all thanks to the Joy of Music. As a working visual artist who works around the world I can tell you that the Joy of Music is one of the most amazing and generous organization I have come in contact with. Their commitment to make music available is commendable.

I had 10 wonderful years of private cello lessons, ensemble playing, and orchestra through JOMP. My teachers were fantastic, the environment was warm and positive, and I grew immensely as a musician through the program.

Without exception, the Joy of Music Program offered my son, a jazz-trumpet enthusiast and former student of Jerry Sabatini (one of many Jomp instructors whose dedication to his students' growth is unparalleled)the most enriching and progressive musical experience now available in the greater Worcester area. The scope of its' program offerings, beginning with early childhood classes and continuing through a panorama of individualized and group instruction for all levels and ages of interest and spanning a multiplicity of instrumentation and cultural influence, puts the school in a class by itself. As an appreciative parent, I have continued to financially support the program despite the fact that my son moved on to college 4 years ago. It is just that GOOD!

I first came to know the Joy of Music Program from it's wonderful reputation in our urban community over fifteen years ago when I was seeking programs for my children. As a parent, I watched my three children explore their interests in music through string lessons, recorder and dance at JOMP. I was impressed with the teaching, the small group and individual lessons and the sense of community from the start. The annual JOMP-A-THON brings the program's uniqueness to the forefront as students of all ages and levels, on all kinds of instruments,perform throughout the designated weekend. This program offers an extraordinary spot for diverse people to come together through music. It is an important cultural component in our city. My children are grown and I have continued to be connected to JOMP because of their outreach efforts to public schools. JOMP offers scholarships to low-income students providing welcomed access and opportunity. I have had several students continue on to college as music majors as a result of their financially supported training through JOMP - a path they would not have known to take without the oportunity JOMP provided. The Joy of Music also has ensembles travel and visit schools to play and talk about instruments, music and learning to play an instrument. Their visits are welcomed by students and teachers. Our student musicians are always inspired. The Joy of Muic embodies what a nonprofit can and should be. It demonstrates what music in community has the power to do.

I am a non-music playing parent of very musical children. JOMP has an amazing set of Jazz teachers who have taught my children very well. The staff is extremely dedicated, their care of the students is obvious in everything they do.

I am currently on the JOMP faculty so I'll let others speak to the quality of the education. JOMP provides a clean, hospitable, safe and secure environment for it's clientel. The administration and staff are friendly and efficient and the welfare of their clients is top priority. JOMP engages the community with outreach programs, performing ensembles and scholarships for those in need. I hold my colleagues on falculty in the highest regard. JOMP is a real tight ship and I'm proud to be aboard. Thanks Joe D'Angelo

The Joy of Music Program (JOMP)is one of Worcester's finest gems! Both of our sons have taken lessons through JOMP and they have both had great experiences. Jomp allows students to spend personalized, one on one time with superb instructors. All of the staff are dedicated, motivated, interested and engaged. One of our sons was also able to get alot of experience performing for crowds which helped him to build his confidence. We feel fortunate to have found JOMP several years ago.

The experiences and skills I gained by being involved with JOMP were invaluable. My technical expertise grew as I worked with one teacher for piano during my seven years at the school, and one teacher for ensemble. Both were always encouraging, and constantly challenging me to perform to the best of my abilities.

The faculty and staff at JOMP is extremely dedicated and professional. If you want a quality music education for yourself, a student, or your child, you should start with the Joy of Music Program!

My son has been taking music lessons at JOMP for three years. He is a talented musician with special needs which makes instruction for him more complicated. JOMP totally gets it. They see his strengths first and his challenges second. The instructors have the highest standards and give their students the tools and the confidence to achieve at those high levels. My son loves being at JOMP because he feels accepted and appreciated for who he is. I appreciate the high quality of the instruction.

Precious care and consideration for each individual person permeates the Joy of Music Program in Worcester, MA. Empathy and attention to detail work a special magic at this school, starting at the top. I sensed this the first day I came to the school. The directors are first rate people. They enact a positive example and I, in turn, spur myself to raise my own bar-- how can I more positively impact my students-- how can I improve? In this regard, it is a joy to work with such a clear sense of shared purpose.

Everything about this music school is fantastic. The experience and superb instruction that I received at JOMP prepared me to study music in college at a top university, and because of my time there I know that I will always be able to foster a love for music.

The Joy of Music Program provides outstanding music education and creates community for people of all ages who love music. I've been a Board member off and on for many years, and I see first-hand the perseverance, effort, talent and administrative acumen demonstrated by the Directors and staff that keep the school going. I am so grateful to them for their commitment which sustains the school on a daily basis. The musicianship and sheer love of music among the students at JOMP is truly inspiring. The faculty are consistently excellent, passionate, and compassionate with their students: it is no wonder the students thrive and grow both musically and personally during their time at JOMP. I feel that JOMP is a national treasure that deserves the support and admiration of everyone who believes in the power of music to transform and improve our lives.

The Joy Of Music Program (JOMP) is one of those rare organizations that truly impacts people’s lives for the better. I am only an individual among countless who have benefited from all they have to offer. From the time of my youth all the way through college I received music lessons from the faculty at JOMP. I received instruction from some of the most talented and supportive people I have ever met. They inspired you to do and be you’re best while continually providing a fun and encouraging environment. The community that JOMP provided for me cannot be matched by any other organization that I have come into contact with. They did not simply provide a place for music lessons, but a place to grow as a person. I cannot say enough about what a wonderful organization JOMP is and what wonderful people run it.

One daughter studied cello at Joy of Music for 4 years and the other daughter studied recorder and flute for 8 years. Week after week, year after year, we saw the dedication, enthusiasm and pure joy of music demonstrated by the faculty and especially by the directors, Wendy and Rich Ardizzone. Both girls continue to play their instruments in college and one is minoring in music at one of the finest music schools in North America as a direct result of her time at JOMP. Wendy and Rich have created a music school that lives up to its name every day. They are passionate about sharing their love of music and have dedicated their lives to sharing that passion. The life of each member of our family has been enriched by this wonderful music school.

I served on the faculty at JOMP for 5 years. I have not worked with any organization before or after that can compare to my experience there. I am most struck by Wendy and Rich Ardizzone's purity of intention to bring joyful music experiences to the Worcester community, commitment and tireless work, and total success in achieving their mission. Because of this, they attract staff and faculty with similar commitment and enthusiasm and have created an amazing sense of community. I felt valued, appreciated, and supported as a teacher there and miss it immensely after moving away from the area.

I have known The Joy of Music Program by reputation in the community for the 20 years of it's existence. If you wanted the very best music learning experience for yourself or your children, it has been the place to go. Although I haven't had the chance to enjoy it's music classes yet (still hoping), a love of music brought me to serve on it's board this past year.

My young nephew is a student at the Joy of Music Program. He's learning to sing, how to be creative with his body and voice and how to make new friends. Whenever we visit he tells me about what happened at class each week. He's been a student there for two years and his teacher and the other staff are all very important to him. It's an important part of his education and growth as it was for me when I was a youngster.

I was a saxophone instructor/jazz band instructor at Joy of Music. I have taught in Boston, Seattle, and Eastern Washington, and found JOMP to be one of the most outstanding programs I have ever been involved with. I am no longer employed by JOMP, and now live in Seattle, but the dedication and enthusiasm that the faculty and staff demonstrate on a daily basis is a credit to the program. I would highly reccommend anyone with children interested in learning a musical instrument, dance, etc. check out JOMP for themselves. A quality program that turns out talented, positive, confident students.