Future Music Project

Carnegie Hall’s Future Music Project harnesses the transformative power of music to nurture the creativity of more than 300 young people ages 14–19 incarcerated in New York City. In partnership with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, Future Music Project offers incarcerated young people a creative space to learn, express themselves, and imagine new futures. Through workshops, field trips, and live performances, Future Music Project provides a unique platform for exploring music’s many facets—from honing skills in songwriting and performance to discovering career pathways in the music industry.

Celebratory showcases are presented at Carnegie Hall twice each season, where young people perform their original music for an audience of peers, staff, and family members. Future Music Project is a vital part of the effort to break the cycle of incarceration and create a more equitable future for young people in New York City.

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“
I have been with the program for five and a half months. Before it took me a long time to write a song, I got better at writing under pressure, and I feel more confident. I write a lot of new stuff here.  During one workshop, the way we were able to take our pain and put it into a song that sounds fire was good… That helps you. It’s a good coping skill. Some people get mad and frustrated and then go do something they’re not supposed to, this is a way to express yourself without getting in trouble. This might actually take you somewhere.
—Bronx Hope NSP participant
Two young men wearing black pants and white shirts perform before an audience
Future Music Project Spring Showcase by Jennifer Taylor
One man stands at mixing program on his PC as another speaks into a mic before an audience
Future Music Project Spring Showcase by Jennifer Taylor
Future Music Project musicians pose together
Future Music Project Winter Showcase by Fadi Kheir
Three young men and a young woman sing into mics before an audience
Future Music Project Offsite Winter Showcase by Fadi Kheir
A young woman sings into a mic before an audience
Future Music Project Spring Showcase by Jennifer Taylor

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Ameriprise Financial
Major funding for Future Music Project is provided by Ameriprise Financial.
New York City Administration for Children's Services
Public support is provided by the City of New York through the Administration for Children’s Services and by the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

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