irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $533KOUTREACH PROGRAMTHE CONSERVATORY'S MUSIC THERAPY INSTITUTE (MTI) WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1986 TO EXPAND OUR PROGRAMS TO INCLUDE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. TODAY THE PROGRAM SERVES 2,000 CHILDREN AND ADULTS, PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL AND SMALL-GROUP MUSIC THERAPY ONSITE AT THE CONSERVATORY, AND GROUP MUSIC THERAPY ON AN OUTREACH BASIS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 30 COMMUNITY PARTNERS, INCLUDING PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS, SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS, MEDICAL FACILITIES, SENIOR CARE CENTERS, AND SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY A FACULTY OF 12 BOARD-CERTIFIED MUSIC THERAPISTS WHO HOLD UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES IN MUSIC AND MASTER'S OR DOCTORAL DEGREES IN MUSIC THERAPY. THE CONSERVATORY BUILDING INCLUDES A DEDICATED MUSIC THERAPY UNIT WITH FOUR SESSION STUDIOS AND AN OBSERVATION ROOM FITTED WITH ONE-WAY MIRRORS AND HEAD SETS, ENABLING PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND OTHER THERAPY PROVIDERS TO OBSERVE SESSIONS. MTI HAS RECEIVED AWARDS FROM ARTS WESTCHESTER AND FROM ASCAP (AMERICAN SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS). IN 2013, MTI ESTABLISHED HEALING OUR HEROES, PROVIDING MUSIC THERAPY SERVICES FOR U.S. MILITARY VETERANS DEALING WITH WAR-RELATED INJURIES, AT NO COST TO THEM OR THEIR FAMILIES. SERVING 15-20 VETERANS EACH YEAR, THE PROGRAM PROVIDES EACH VETERAN WITH TWO TO THREE YEARS OF WEEKLY INDIVIDUAL MUSIC THERAPY SESSIONS, AS WELL AS TWO WEEKLY GROUP SESSIONS: MUSIC FOR SELF-CARE WHICH HELPS VETERANS LEARN TO USE MUSIC FOR RELAXATION AND STRESS REDUCTION; THE VETERANS BAND WHICH GIVES VETERANS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MUSIC TOGETHER AND TO COMPOSE ORIGINAL SONGS. IN 2023, SEVERAL NEW COMPONENTS WERE ADDED TO THE PROGRAM: CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS, SUPPORT GROUP FOR FEMALE VETERANS, AND SUMMER CONGA WORKSHOPS. HEALING OUR HEROES HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AND SUPPORTED BY DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, AND IS FEATURED IN MUSIC VETS, A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT THE CHALLENGES FACED BY VETERANS DEALING WITH THE WOUNDS OF WAR AS THEY STRUGGLE TO READJUST TO CIVILIAN LIFE. MUSIC VETS WAS PREMIERED AT THE KENNEDY CENTER IN OCTOBER, 2022 AND HAS HAD SCREENINGS AT THE BEDFORD PLAYHOUSE, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY AND OTHER LOCATIONS.
- #2 $62KPERFORMANCESPERFORMANCE IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF THE CONSERVATORY'S EDUCATIONAL PROCESS, WITH STUDENT AND FACULTY PERFORMANCES TAKING PLACE AT THE CONSERVATORY AND IN THE COMMUNITY. STUDENTS HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO PERFORM AS SOLOISTS AND IN PERFORMING ENSEMBLES, IN RECITALS TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. FACULTY CONCERTS OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR HIGH LEVEL PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES IN COMFORTABLE, FAMILIAR LOCATIONS. ALL CONCERTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THE MAJORITY OF STUDENT RECITALS TAKE PLACE IN THE CONSERVATORY'S BEAUTIFUL 150- SEAT RECITAL HALL, AND ARE RECORDED FROM THE CONTROL ROOM OF OUR RECORDING STUDIO. TWO FACULTY ENSEMBLES THE MCW FACULTY STRING QUARTET AND THE MCW FACULTY JAZZ ENSEMBLE ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL FACULTY GUEST ARTISTS ARE PERFORMING IN-PERSON IN OUR RECITAL HALL AND LIVE-STREAMED CONCERTS FROM OUR RECORDING STUDIO. COMMUNITY CONCERTS ALSO TAKE PLACE IN LOCAL LIBRARIES, COMMUNITY CENTERS, HEALTH CARE AND SENIOR CARE FACILITIES, AND OTHER SIMILAR VENUES. OUR STUDENTS AND FACULTY ARE ALSO INVITED TO PERFORM AT BENEFIT EVENTS FOR OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. MASTER CLASSES ARE SCHEDULED AT THE CONSERVATORY IN WHICH SELECTED STUDENTS ARE COACHED BY GUEST ARTISTS. PERFORMANCE CLASSES FOR STUDENTS IN OUR HONORS AND PREP PROGRAMS ADDITIONALLY PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE ADVANCED STUDENTS TO HONE THEIR PERFORMANCE SKILLS.
named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Community Performances
Student and faculty performances held at the conservatory and in community venues such as libraries, healthcare facilities, and senior centers, all free and open to the public.
Healing Our Heroes
Offers free music therapy services to U.S. military veterans dealing with war-related injuries, including weekly individual and group sessions focused on self-care and musical collaboration.
MCW Theater Arts Prep
Triple threat training program for high school students focusing on vocal studies, acting, dance, and music theory, preparing them for college and professional careers in musical theater.
Music Therapy Institute (MTI)
Provides individual and group music therapy and adapted instrumental instruction for children and adults with disabilities, delivered onsite and through outreach partnerships with schools and care facilities.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Music Education and Training Programs 5 activities
- Offers advanced training and pre-conservatory programs for high school studentsProvides the Triple Threat training program for high school students, including vocal studies, acting, dance, music theory, ear training, piano, and recording techniques. Includes masterclasses, performance opportunities, and college and career counseling to prepare students for admission to conservatories and universities.
- Offers music theory, composition, and music production instructionProvides structured music theory classes using the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum up to level 5, free for private lesson students. Offers composition lessons involving analysis, collaborative projects, and performance of original works, as well as music production training including DAW use, songwriting, and recording techniques.
- Provides adult music education and ensemble programsOffers group classes in piano and guitar for adults with no prior experience, chamber ensembles for advanced adult musicians, and ensemble programs such as the Gospel Choir and Piano Partners that include coaching and public performances.
- Provides private and group music instruction for all agesOffers year-round private lessons, group classes, and ensemble opportunities across a wide range of instruments including piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, and harpsichord, available in-person and online. Programs serve children as young as age 4 and adults, including beginner-level group classes and advanced training.
- Runs specialized summer and intensive music programsOffers multi-week summer programs for children and teens including a multi-arts program for grades 1–6, introductory instrument exploration for ages 4–7, a strings festival, jazz workshop, and music production workshop. Programs focus on ensemble playing, improvisation, technique, and collaborative projects for students in grades 5–12.
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Financial Aid and Scholarship Access Programs 1 activity
- Administers scholarship and tuition assistance programsProvides need-based scholarships and tuition assistance to qualifying students of all ages, including adults and youth, to support access to private lessons, group classes, and specialized programs, ensuring equitable participation regardless of financial circumstances.
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Music Therapy for Ill and Vulnerable Populations 1 activity
- Delivers music therapy services to individuals with disabilities and veteransProvides individual and group music therapy to approximately 2,000 children and adults with disabilities annually through its Music Therapy Institute, both on-site and in partnership with 30 community organizations. Offers the Healing Our Heroes program, delivering free weekly music therapy to 15–20 military veterans each year, including individual sessions, group programs, and specialized workshops.
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Early Childhood Music Education 1 activity
- Offers early childhood and youth music education programsProvides developmentally tailored music classes for infants through preschoolers, including play-based learning and active participation through singing, dancing, instruments, and stories. Offers specialized programs such as Music Explorers for ages 5–7 and Suzuki method instruction with private and group classes for young children.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Organizes student performances, recitals, and public concertsHosts over 75 annual performances including student recitals, faculty concerts, and community events, with free recitals supported by professional accompanists. Offers performance opportunities for youth ensembles and adult chamber groups, and organizes public concerts at the Conservatory and in community venues such as libraries and senior centers.
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Digital Music and Performance Archiving 1 activity
- Produces and streams recorded musical performancesProduces live-streamed and recorded concerts through an in-house recording studio, featuring faculty ensembles such as the MCW Faculty String Quartet and MCW Faculty Jazz Ensemble, expanding public access to performances.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$3.59M
Contributions & grants$929K26%
Program service revenue$2.45M68%
Investment income$74K2%
Other revenue$142K
expenses
Total expenses$3.73M
Program expenses86%
Admin / overhead6%
Fundraising9%
Salaries & benefits$2.50M
Grants paid out$176K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$9.87M
Cash$1.01M
Investments$2.09M
Liabilities$3.09M
Net assets$6.78M
Liquid reserves10.0 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +5.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 5
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SONG ZHANG | ASSOCIATE DEAN | 40 | $127K |
| LISA SANDAGATA | DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH | 40 | $114K |
| JEAN NEWTON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $113K |
| DOUG BISH | DEAN OF STUDENTS THRU 11/2025 | 40 | $102K |
| BEVIN LEMERE | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | 40 | $96K |
board members · 18
- ANDREA MERANDA — TRUSTEE
- ANDREA TABER — TRUSTEE
- CLAUDIA HUESTON — TRUSTEE
- GABE GALANSKI — TRUSTEE
- HOLLY TANG — TREASURER
- JOEL BRIETKOPF — PRESIDENT
- JOHN BOTTOMLEY — TRUSTEE
- JUDITH CHANG — TRUSTEE
- MARINA BURKE — TRUSTEE
- MARY LYNN BIANCO — TRUSTEE
- NANCY GOODMAN — SECRETARY
- NANCY IVES — TRUSTEE
- ROBERT HEATH — TRUSTEE
- RODD BERRO — CHAIRMAN
- SCOTT AUSTER — TRUSTEE
- SUSAN ACCETTA — TRUSTEE
- TONY SMITH — TRUSTEE
- VICTOR GOLDSMITH — TRUSTEE
relationships · 19
Who they work with
- 30 community partners Partner — Collaborates with 30 community partners to deliver music therapy services through the Music Therapy Institute.
- ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Network — Awarded the Music Therapy Institute ten consecutive awards for its community programming.
- Arts Westchester Network — Recognized the Music Therapy Institute with awards for community impact.
- Bedford Playhouse Partner — Screened Music Vets, a documentary featuring the Healing Our Heroes program.
- Cheryl Stern Partner — Faculty member and instructor at MCW Theater Arts Prep with Broadway and Off-Broadway experience and roles in television series such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
- Disabled American Veterans Partner — Recognized and supported the Healing Our Heroes program, which provides music therapy services to U.S. military veterans.
- Don Creative Group Partner — Designed the organization's website
- Don Creative Group Partner — Designed the organization's website.
- Don Creative Group Partner — Website design partner
- Don Creative Group Partner — Website design partner for the Music Conservatory of Westchester
- Don Creative Group Partner — Website design partner for the Music Conservatory of Westchester.
- Dr. Linda Carroll Partner — Faculty member and instructor at MCW Theater Arts Prep with expertise as a voice clinician and trainer for performers, including Grammy-nominated artists.
- Kennedy Center Partner — Hosted the premiere of Music Vets, a documentary featuring the Healing Our Heroes program, in October 2023.
- Korliss Uecker Partner — Faculty member and instructor at MCW Theater Arts Prep with professional experience at the Metropolitan Opera and other major venues.
- Marc Delacruz Partner — Faculty member and instructor at MCW Theater Arts Prep with Broadway credits including Hamilton and If/Then.
- National Association of Schools of Music Government — Accredits MCW as one of two community music schools in New York state, ensuring national standards in music education.
- New York University Partner — Hosted screenings of Music Vets, a documentary featuring the Healing Our Heroes program.
- Sakina Jaffrey Partner — Faculty member and instructor at MCW Theater Arts Prep with professional acting credits in film and television including House of Cards and The Meyerowitz Stories.
- Suzuki Association of America Network — Member organization that follows the Suzuki method and links to the Suzuki Association of America website for additional information.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Embedded Music Therapy Outreachmethodology: community_outreach_modelBy delivering music therapy services directly within schools, medical facilities, and senior centers, we expand access for individuals with disabilities because embedding services in existing institutions reduces logistical barriers and integrates care into familiar environments.
- Family and Caregiver Engagement Modelmethodology: family_and_caregiver_involvementBy involving parents and caregivers in lessons and home practice, we strengthen student learning and developmental outcomes because active family participation reinforces skill retention and supports a musically rich environment beyond the classroom.
- Inclusive Access and Equity Modelmethodology: inclusive_accessBy removing financial, physical, and social barriers through scholarships, accommodations, and non-discrimination policies, we produce broader participation in music education because equitable access ensures all individuals, regardless of background or ability, can benefit from music learning and therapy.
- Individualized Instruction Modelmethodology: individualized_instructionBy tailoring music instruction to each student's learning style, age, and goals, we produce long-term engagement and success because personalized approaches meet students at their developmental level and support intrinsic motivation and musical growth.
- Play-Based and Developmental Pedagogymethodology: play-based_learningBy integrating play, movement, and creative exploration through methods like Orff Schulwerk and Suzuki, we foster early musical development because joyful, developmentally appropriate experiences build foundational skills and long-term engagement in young learners.