Carnegie Hall

Guided by professional teaching artists, weekly workshops offer young people a unique opportunity to explore their creativity through creating original music and learning fundamental musical skills. Workshops encourage young people to share their stories and develop individual artistry, while also exploring the history and cultural significance of various musical genres and traditions. By connecting these lessons to their own lived experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of the role music can play in expressing one’s identity.

Showcases & Recordings

Twice annually, Future Music Project culminates in a special showcase at Carnegie Hall’s Resnick Education Wing, where young people perform their original music for an audience of peers, staff, and family members. This event is a celebration of each participant’s growth as an individual, artist, and member of the Future Music Project community and honors their hard work and creativity. Teaching artists are also featured, who perform alongside the students and reflect on the semester’s experiences, sharing insights into the creative journey. For young people who are unable to attend, teaching artists ensure their music is heard. Showcases are a joyful and meaningful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the students, show appreciation for the staff who support them, and acknowledge the collaborative spirit that defines the Future Music Project experience.

In preparation for showcases, youth participate in recording sessions at Carnegie Hall. Participants finalize performance tracks, learn studio recording techniques, and focus on their craft. The recording session is an educational and inspiring experience for them on their journey to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Future Music Project offers thoughtfully designed field trips for young people incarcerated in non-secure facilities. Lunch-and-learn events at Carnegie Hall provide students with the opportunity to meet Carnegie Hall staff from across the organization, each sharing their unique career paths and personal stories. These sessions encourage young people to ask questions, explore different career paths, and gain insight into how education and professional experiences can shape their futures. In addition to lunch-and-learn events, Future Music Project also invites students to attend concerts at Carnegie Hall, experiencing world-class musical performances up close. Field trips expose students to new experiences, spark curiosity, and help them envision new possibilities for their own lives and careers.

Supporting and Elevating Teaching Artists

Future Music Project offers professional-development opportunities for its teaching artists, recognizing that growth as artists and educators is central to the success of the program. To foster growth, Future Music Project holds regular professional-development meetings to provide space to exchange ideas, refine their craft, and explore strategies for engaging meaningfully with young people impacted by the justice system. Participants discuss best practices for the classroom, youth-centered approaches, and broader social contexts that shape the lives of community members. In addition to peer-led discussions, Future Music Project invites guest speakers—experts in education, justice, and the arts—who lead workshops that challenge and inspire teaching artists to deepen their practices. These experiences help build a strong, supportive community of professionals who are committed to equity, creativity, and impact.