named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Advanced Ensembles
High-level touring ensembles that perform locally and internationally
Chamber Groups
Invitation-only groups for advanced students to study and perform chamber music repertoire
Group Classes
Weekly instrument-specific group sessions for peer learning and ensemble skill development
Individual Lessons
Weekly one-on-one lessons with student, parent, and teacher focused on technique, repertoire, and practice planning
Orchestras
String orchestra program for intermediate and advanced students focusing on musicianship and ensemble performance
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Music Education and Training Programs 2 activities
- Provide Suzuki Method music education for childrenOffers comprehensive music instruction using the Suzuki Method for children starting at age three, including private lessons, group classes, orchestras, recitals, and community performances, with required parent participation in lessons and home practice.
- Provide teacher training and professional developmentOffers Suzuki Method teacher training and professional development through registered Teacher Trainers, Master of Music programs in Suzuki Pedagogy, and workshops, masterclasses, and institutes across the U.S. and Canada.
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Admissions Outreach and Enrollment Support 1 activity
- Conduct outreach and enrollment activitiesHosts orientation talks, open house events for prospective families to observe classes and concerts, and offers free demo classes to support program outreach and new student enrollment in September and January.
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Early Childhood Music Education 1 activity
- Deliver early childhood music programsProvides Music Together classes for children from birth through age 5 and their caregivers, with weekly sessions in Ithaca and Dryden, including music recordings and illustrated songbooks as part of enrollment.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Offer advanced ensemble and touring programsOperates string orchestras, chamber music groups, and touring ensembles for intermediate and advanced students, performing at high artistic levels in local, national, and international venues, including countries such as Japan, Italy, and Mexico.
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Musicological Research and Scholarly Editions 1 activity
- Produce and disseminate educational and musical materialsAuthors and publishes musical compositions, educational resources, and scholarly articles promoting multicultural string music and Suzuki-based pedagogy, including Resonance: A Multicultural Cello Method and articles in American String Teacher Magazine and the American Suzuki Journal.
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Music Education Support 1 activity
- Support music education through scholarships and initiativesSupports access to music education via scholarships and related programs to expand participation in Suzuki Method instruction.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$269K
Contributions & grants$35K13%
Program service revenue$234K87%
Investment income$930%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$219K
Program expenses93%
Admin / overhead7%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$169K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$77K
Cash$77K
Investments$0
Liabilities$958
Net assets$76K
Liquid reserves4.2 mo
1 years on record · 2024–2024
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KATHRYN DRAKE | CO-DIRECTOR | 15 | $37K |
| SARAH CUMMINGS | CO-DIRECTOR | 15 | $25K |
board members · 5
- CHRISTINA MEAD — TREASURER
- KATHY MCHUGH — DIRECTOR
- KRISTEN GRACE — SECRETARY
- KRISTEN MARSHALL — DIRECTOR
- MEGAN BARBER — PRESIDENT
relationships · 26
Who they work with
- Binghamton University Partner — Faculty member teaching cello.
- Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Partner — Longstanding affiliation through performance, leadership, and co-founding the CCO Youth Orchestra.
- Cayuga Chamber Orchestra Partner — Regular performer with the orchestra.
- Cello Teaching Repertoire Consortium Partner — Commissioned Bianca d’Avila do Prado to compose Suite Pequenina for cello solo and duet.
- Center for Music and Young Children Government — Granted Music Together Certification Level II status.
- Dr. Shinichi Suzuki Network — Follows the educational philosophy and method developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.
- Eastman School of Music Partner — Performed with the Nazareth College piano trio at the school in October 2021.
- Ithaca College Partner — Facilities liaison relationship for the music education program.
- Ithaca College Partner — Kathryn Drake earned a Master of Music in Suzuki Pedagogy and Violin Performance from this institution.
- Ithaca Talent Education Partner — Faculty member teaching cello.
- Ithaca Zen Center Partner — Kathryn Drake lived in residence at this center during Suzuki training.
- LGL Forms Partner — Technology provider for online donation processing.
- Monarch Suzuki Academy Partner — Kathryn Drake taught at this organization while in Austin.
- Music Institute of Chicago Partner — Employed Bianca d’Avila do Prado and hosted the Third Coast Suzuki Strings outreach program she coordinated.
- Music Together LLC Network — Licensed provider of the Music Together program.
- Music Together of Ithaca Partner — Music Together instructor leading classes for various age groups.
- Nazareth College Partner — Faculty member teaching cello and performing with the college's piano trio.
- New Canon Project Partner — Selected Bianca d’Avila do Prado for its first cohort, for which she composed Valsa para Sofia for strings.
- Society for New Music Partner — Regular performer with the ensemble.
- Suzuki Association of the Americas Government — Recognized Kathryn Drake with the Distinguished Young Teacher Award and Certificate of Achievement.
- Suzuki Association of the Americas Network — Awarded Bianca d’Avila do Prado the "Distinguished Young Teacher" award at the SAA/ASTA Conference in 2024.
- Suzuki Association of the Americas Network — Follows the Suzuki Method as defined by the Suzuki Association of the Americas and encourages families to learn about it prior to enrollment.
- Suzuki Association of the Americas Network — Registered Suzuki teacher member organization
- Suzuki Association of the Americas Network — Registered Teacher Trainer with the organization.
- The University of Texas at Austin Partner — Kathryn Drake studied Violin Performance and taught at the String Project at this institution.
- kathymcq@gmail.com Partner — Contact for questions about orchestra guidelines
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.
- Culturally Inclusive Curriculum Developmentmethodology: culturally_inclusive_educationBy integrating underrepresented cultural traditions—such as Brazilian music—into string education, we expand access and relevance in music learning because culturally reflective content increases engagement and equity in a traditionally Eurocentric field.
- Holistic Student Development Through Musicmethodology: holistic_development_through_artsBy using music mastery as a vehicle for inner growth, we cultivate mindfulness, self-expression, and personal development because structured artistic discipline provides a context for emotional and cognitive growth in young learners.
- Parent as Home Teacher Modelmethodology: parent_involvement_in_educationBy training and involving parents as active participants and "home teachers" in lessons and daily practice, we reinforce musical learning because consistent, guided home engagement extends the educational environment beyond the classroom and supports long-term skill development.
- Suzuki Method Pedagogymethodology: suzuki_methodBy using the Suzuki Method—emphasizing listening, repetition, parental involvement, and a nurturing environment—we develop musical ability in children because this approach mirrors language acquisition and fosters mastery through consistent, supported practice.