UpBeat NYC - Press Profile
2011 Union Square Arts Award Recipient
368 New York Avenue, 2nd FloorBrooklyn, NY 11213
www.upbeatnyc.org
Media Contacts: Liza Austria, Program Director
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UpBeat NYC provides free music instruction to underserved populations in New York City.
Inspired by the philosophy of the Venezuelan music system "El Sistema," Liza Austria and Richard Miller launched UpBeat NYC in March 2009. UpBeat believes in music’s power to transform lives, build community and effect positive social change.
In partnership with the BedStuy Campaign against Hunger, the co-founders began a music program serving Central Brooklyn residents. In the summer of 2009, they launched UpBeat PLC in partnership with the Promised Land Church in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. UpBeat NYC’s efforts are focused on expanding its South Bronx program offering year-round, twice weekly instrumental and vocal instruction to children, youth, and adults. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis.
Studying individually as well as in group settings, participants learn the fundamentals of musical literacy and instrumental performance. Four to six year olds learn musical concepts through singing and movement and are introduced to recorder and piano performance technique. Older students ages 7 and up receive instruction on piano, violin, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, guitar or drums.
All students perform as soloists and in ensembles for their peers and community. Ensemble playing allows students to experience the joys and challenges of large scale music making with every ensemble's success depending on the hard work and cooperation of each of its members. UpBeat ensembles create opportunities for its members to engage one another as interdependent thinkers and artists.
UpBeat strives to provide a safe and loving environment to develop pride in personal achievement and nurture each participant as a unique contributor to UpBeat’s musical family.