My experience with them was terrible. I believe they are racist because I did everything that they requested. My daughter it was very excited to enjoy the music class because they told me the schedule ,all the details about the program by the end telling as the we wasn’t qualified this year. My little girl is only 7 years old and it was the first time that we applied for it. We were disappointed and sad.
My daughter Maya joined OMP four years ago when she had switched from viola to violin and needed private lessons to jump start her progress. I remember her first private lesson with Ms. Jessica, how she beautifully described every technique, challenged my daughter with great exercises, and played her viola as Maya played violin to make a beautiful experience. Every lesson was a wealth of information and inspiration. Since then, my daughter has had many wonderful teachers at OMP who have impacted her life: Randall Goosby, Samuel Marchan, and now Jordan Bak.
Apart from the wonderful private lessons, Honor's Orchestra, music theory classes and community service were other elements of the program that contributed to her growth as a musician and in initiating and carrying out community outreach. Maya and other members of OMP have taken the initiative to volunteer in Senior Centers like Isabella, at Columbia University Medical Center and at public events by political leaders. Maya was invited to perform at Obie Bing's funeral before the street naming for Obie Bing of 169th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue: https://twitter.com/galeabrewer/status/1107066056659615745
OMP has allowed Maya to grow as both a violinist and a violist, given her opportunities to conduct, as well as give back to her community through free musical performances. Exciting this year, Maya participated in OMP's first composition class and was excited to compose her first piece for the piano. I will never forget how thrilled she was to see her composition, "Ringgg!" performed by a professional pianist on a grand piano.
Experiences like these, and the way Ms. Jessica Garrand magically orchestrates a program that supports young musicians in every way including preparation for auditions for all kinds of programs and college admissions make OMP a top notch orchestral music program regardless of economic status. OMP is truly an inspiration and a gem supporting upcoming musicians in New York City. Five stars!
Where do I start! Our son, Devin Zamir Coleman, started with OMP at the age of 5; He is now 12 years old and still a participant/member. We like to say that OMP is Devins' musical foundation from which he has launched into being a vocalist singing operas, Off-Broadway, becoming a boys choral member traveling to Europe, and being the 2018 Macy's 4th of July closing soloist!
Without the musical ear cultivated through continued participation with OMP, We doubt these opportunities would have been as effortless as they were. Its founder, Jessica Garand, has also provided financial assistance and a cello to help ensure Devin's participation when his mother was faced with thyroid cancer. That financial aid helped our family to maintain a sense of normalcy during those difficult days. We are forever grateful for the community and friendships found through OMP.
We have just started our second year at OMP where my daughters (8 and 6 yrs) play the violin. It has been a superb program. From not knowing how to play when we started, to learning how to read music, to performing....it has been mind blowing how much they've grown. I keep using the word 'we' because parent involvement is so key, encouraged and it has taught me so so much. We find ourselves looking at performers on tv or in the subway and checking how they hold their bow, the position of their wrist, whether they are playing on the fingerboard etc. The program has facilitated my girls performing not just for OMP but for persons who may have health issues that keep them homebound through 'Concerts in Motion'. The teachers are excellent, so talented and very encouraging. Jessica and Laura foster a great sense of community with the newsletters, family events etc. We feel so blessed to be part of this program and part of the OMP community. This is a great great great place for children to develop, learn and continue to love music.
Absolutely amazing community of learners, teachers and musicians.
OMP really helps young musicians feel a sense of belonging while building skill and music knowledge.
It is a treasure for students learning string instruments.
My daughter has participated in OMP over the past year in their Honors Orchestra. Each student feels included and receives respect and encouragement as they work on improving their technique. Parents are also nvited to be a part of the OMP family, allowing for an openness of community and support across the program. Teachers are committed to seeing the students succeed and the Director has found a way to have a personal connection with each family regardless of how long you have participated. This is truly a diverse group and a strong example of how to bridge the gaps in the arts for those who may not have an opportunity to experience what it is like to be a musician.
My name is Allie and I am 15 years old. I live in Westchester County. I am in 10th grade and a violin student at Opportunity Music Project since 2014. I enjoy playing music and helping others. Throughout the past few years with OMP, I have gone to many hospitals, and a homeless shelter for women, “The Dwelling Place”, in New York City, as part of my music program community service requirement to use my violin talents to play and perform for the sick there, specifically children. In August 2017, with my music program, Opportunity Music Project, located in New York City, I went to St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital and Mt. Sinai Hospital to perform for the patients. In February of 2018 and 2019, we performed at a Black History Month celebration at the Brooklyn Friends School. Recently, I became an Ambassador/Coach at Opportunity Music Project mentoring young beginner musicians once a month (OMP) for community service. I continue doing it remotely once a week during the pandemic. Being a student at Opportunity Music Project opens the door for me to many music opportunities in the United States and it encourages me to bring music to those who are less fortunate. Because of my violin skills, I was fortunate to receive two full summer camp music scholarships from two reputable music schools in the United States. I thank OMP for supporting me and making me a great young musician.
Hi, this NPO has done wonders for us. My son is a violinist in training, and OMP brought forth community and presence and warmth. I, as a parent, needed this since there is a lot of visible ego/arrogance; otherwise navigating the classical music world can be daunting, confusing for an outsider like myself. This is an organization that fills the equity gaps. Thank you
I’m a parent at OMP, my 9 year old son has been learning to play the cello for the last 4 years and the experience so far has been wonderful.
The quality of OMPs music program is excellent, as well as the value provided by the program. My son has a 1 on 1 private lesson once a week with an experienced cello teacher. He also gets 1 on 1 mentorship time with a one of the OMP ambassadors to work on areas he needs to improve on. He attends orchestra lessons once a week to learn to play as part of a group. He also attends theory lessons once a week. We have looked at many music programs and no program came close to what OMP offers.
The teachers and leadership are kind and very patient with students, it has been a perfect environment to help my son grow as a musician. The confidence my son has gained from his performances has helped him improve in other areas.
Finances should not be a barrier if you would like to apply. They do offer scholarships to students in need.
My son has benefited greatly of the OMP experience. He has been studying Violin and it has helped him learn how to focus on tasks, work in small parts projects in order to learn the whole piece. This skill is vital for his success academically as he had difficulties focusing on work. In addition, OMP helped him improve socially with the concerts and public performances during Community services.
This program has been a blessing!!!
