named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
Music Therapy Program
Clinical music therapy services for clients of all ages, particularly those with autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and brain injuries, using individualized goal plans and progress reporting.
Musical Theatre Program
Comprehensive training for students ages 5-17 focusing on acting, singing, and dancing, including two fully staged musicals per year at Adelphi University with live pit bands and professional production elements.
Private Instruction
One-on-one lessons in voice, piano, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and NYSSMA preparation taught by degreed music educators.
Robert E. Bowen III Memorial Scholarship
Annual $1,500 scholarship for graduating high school seniors from Nassau or Suffolk County pursuing music in college, based on community service and commitment to music.
Saturday Jazz Jam
Free weekly jazz workshop and jam session for middle and high school students focusing on improvisation, repertoire, and ensemble playing.
Summer Programs
Summer flex lessons and acting intensives offering continued music and theatre education during summer months.
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Youth Theater Arts Education 2 activities
- Master classes and workshops with guest artistsHosts periodic master classes and workshops in jazz improvisation, songwriting, Broadway performance, and other genres taught by guest artists and industry professionals, including Broadway performers such as Telly Leung and Corey Hummerston. These are open to students and the broader community.
- Summer and intensive training programsOffers private music lessons during summer months and runs a summer acting intensive program focused on building confidence and acting skills through character development, monologues, scene work, and training in movement, expression, and projection.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Community and student performance opportunitiesHosts annual student recitals at Hofstra University, organizes student rock bands that perform twice yearly at Cornerstone Pub in Mineola, and facilitates performances at community events such as the Garden City Tree Lighting and Promenades series. Produces two fully-staged musicals annually with live pit bands, professional production elements, and student performers.
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Music Education Support 1 activity
- Educational outreach and instrument donation programDonates musical instruments to Long Island school districts lacking resources, including a documented donation to Gotham Avenue School in Elmont to support its orchestra and band programs. Also provides instruments to local schools through ongoing outreach initiatives.
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Facility-Based Service Delivery 1 activity
- Facility-based music education servicesOperates a 4,000-square-foot, ADA-compliant educational facility in Long Island that serves as the central location for music instruction, therapy, and programming.
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Music Education and Training Programs 1 activity
- Music instruction and ensemble programsOffers private music lessons, group classes, rock bands, mixed ensembles, jazz programming, musical theatre, and summer music camps for students of all ages and levels. Provides consistent one-on-one instruction with the same teacher throughout the school year and prepares students for NYSSMA evaluations, with annual placements in All County and All State ensembles.
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Music Therapy for Ill and Vulnerable Populations 1 activity
- Music therapy servicesProvides individualized music therapy using composed music, improvisation, and relationship-based methods to support cognitive, emotional, and developmental growth. Includes initial assessments (30–60 minutes), development of client goal plans, weekly progress notes to parents, and videotaping of sessions for documentation and parental insight.
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Arts Education Scholarships 1 activity
- Scholarship and financial access programsOffers scholarships to talented music students and provides programs at low or no cost to increase accessibility. Administers a memorial scholarship program recognizing graduating high school seniors for service to school and community.
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Student Career Readiness and Internship Placement 1 activity
- Student career preparation and professional developmentHosts bi-yearly Headshot Day events where students receive professional headshots and experience real performer photo shoots, supporting their preparation for careers in performance.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$699K
Contributions & grants$11K2%
Program service revenue$669K96%
Investment income$200%
Other revenue$19K
expenses
Total expenses$708K
Program expenses94%
Admin / overhead5%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$228K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$526K
Cash$41K
Investments$0
Liabilities$521K
Net assets$4K
Liquid reserves0.7 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +16.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PETER COCO | PRESIDENTEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $149K |
| DEBORAH COCO | TREASURERDIRECTOR | 20 | $40K |
board members · 4
- DANIELLE GENOVA — DIRECTOR
- GINA DADDARIO — DIRECTOR
- JENNIFER KIGHTLINGER — DIRECTOR
- MATT WILSON — DIRECTOR
relationships · 19
Who they work with
- Adelphi University Partner — Hosts the organization's fall and spring musicals at its Olmsted Theatre.
- CESD talent agency Partner — Co-hosted a Broadway audition workshop for students.
- Corey Hummerston Partner — Conducted a dance workshop for students; Broadway dance director for Book of Mormon.
- Cornerstone Pub Partner — Hosts performances by Music Academy Foundation student rock bands at least twice per year.
- Dr. Peter Coco Partner — Founder of The Music Academy Foundation, established in 2017.
- Gotham Avenue School Partner — Recipient of donated musical instruments for use in orchestra and band programs.
- Hofstra University Partner — Hosts the annual Student Recitals organized by the Music Academy Foundation.
- Imagine Academy Partner — Staff music therapist completed internship at Imagine Academy in Brooklyn, NY, a school for autistic individuals, suggesting a training and professional relationship.
- Living Faith Church Partner — Formerly employed Deborah, who now manages day-to-day operations at The Music Academy Foundation, as Associate Director of the Children’s Ministry.
- Miss Jen Partner — Lead instructor for the Summer Acting Intensive program.
- Molloy University Partner — Music therapist staff member is enrolled in graduate music therapy program at Molloy University, indicating academic and professional affiliation.
- New York State School Music Association Government — Provides preparation for student participation in NYSSMA evaluations and ensembles.
- Nic Rouleau Partner — Conducted an acting and audition preparation class; performed in Book of Mormon on Broadway and Hello Dolly touring show.
- Robert E Bowen III Partner — Namesake of the memorial scholarship program honoring Robert E Bowen III's legacy.
- Sam Dillon Partner — Jazz tenor player who has conducted workshops with students.
- Shirley Faison Partner — Participated in an Audition Day event; affiliated with Carson Adler Agency.
- Telly Leung Partner — Conducted a singing and acting class for students; known for role in Aladdin on Broadway.
- Terrance Spencer Partner — Conducted a dance workshop; currently performing in Hamilton on Broadway.
- Tony Glausi Partner — Trumpeter who has conducted workshops with students.
strategies · 4
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.
- Holistic Access and Development Modelmethodology: holistic_access_modelBy removing financial and instrumental barriers through subsidized programming and instrument distribution, and selecting scholarship recipients based on community engagement as well as musical commitment, the organization increases equitable access and long-term success because material access and social investment together foster sustained participation and personal growth.
- Performance-Integrated Skill Transfermethodology: performance_based_learningBy using public performance and professional-level production elements—such as live pit bands and full technical design—as core components of learning, the organization builds student confidence and transfers musical training to academic and professional contexts because real-world simulation enhances accountability, motivation, and skill integration.
- Structured Developmental Progression Modelmethodology: seven-tier_music_educationBy guiding students through a sequenced framework of seven core musical competencies—notation reading, technical proficiency, theoretical understanding, ear training, improvisation, composition, and historical context—the organization produces comprehensive musical development because mastery in one area reinforces growth in others.
- Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Centered Music Therapymethodology: trauma_informed_gestalt_music_therapyBy combining composed music, improvisation, and a humanistic, trauma-informed gestalt approach, the organization holistically supports clients' cognitive, emotional, and developmental growth because safety, relational connection, and holistic identity (beyond diagnosis) enable deeper therapeutic engagement.