My Nonprofit Reviews

As a former employee for ETM, I witnessed this organization's work first-hand for nearly three years.

ETM stands out from other organizations in the arts education community because of its deep commitment to education. I was always deeply impressed by how their model succeeds in helping students improve in all academic areas. The organization is run by a mission-driven and passionate staff who go above and beyond in providing students with music instruction and ultimately aim to prepare students to succeed in all aspects of life—not just in school.

ETM is an exceptional organization with an outstanding model because they help students develop transferable skills, teaching students how to sharpen their academic, social, and emotional abilities. They also serve every student at a partner school—even those with special needs and English Language Learners. They believe in equity, meaning all students receive quality music education, which is truly remarkable. The organization also thoughtfully evaluates their work, seeking for ways to refine and improve it constantly through rigorous in-house evaluation. This is something I had not seen at comparable nonprofits.

During my time at ETM, I always admired how invested they were to serving high-need areas in New York City, providing students in low-income and historically economically disadvantaged communities with the incredible opportunity to study the arts in ways that served them holistically. Many of their students at first-year partner schools have never taken a music class. And when ETM enters a community, often times there is a dramatic transformation in the school community, including increase in students' attendance levels and a deeper engagement from parents and community members. I've seen it with my own eyes, and it's wonderful.

Ultimately, ETM's work is very valuable and highly necessary in this world. Luckily, ETM is very committed to growing, through careful consideration, so it will be wonderful to see how they evolve and expand in the future!