Established with the belief that music is an essential component of education for everyone, Kaufman Music Center is increasing access in the music field by creating Pathways to impactful music study for middle school students. Watch Pathways featured on NY1 News.

Our Vision

Pathways students receive the life-changing benefits of intensive music study and additional support to help them reach their full musical potential. We are leveling the playing field by equipping and empowering highly motivated, talented young people from backgrounds that are under-resourced in classical music.

Our Tuition-free Approach

We are partnering with public schools, community centers, cultural organizations, and music teachers all over NYC to recruit highly motivated, talented students in middle school grades (ages 10-13 years old). Participants in this fully funded program have access to a wide range of Kaufman Music Center resources and programs, including any combination of the following support:

• Weekly private instrumental lessons and group classes
• Access to a musical instrument
• Performance opportunities and participation in ensembles
• Access to masterclasses, workshops, and performances
• Mentorship and application assistance for music festivals, programs and higher education
• Stipends for summer camps, auditions or other enriching off-site programming
• Intruments currently available: trumpet, trombone, horn, euphonium and tuba

Apply

Applications for the 2026-27 school year are open March 9 - May 1, 2026.
Please download and fill out the Financial Aid Application.

Apply Now

Requirements to be considered for the Pathways Program:

• Student is or will be enrolled in grades 6-8
• Student resides in the NYC metropolitan area 
• Demonstrates a need for access to musical resources that are not currently accessible
• Has begun study on a brass instrument, and shows talent and motivation to continue intensive study
• Prepare and record a 5-minute video that best represents your child's playing ability

Before beginning your application:
Please download and fill out the Financial Aid Application in its entirety. Make sure you have the supporting materials of last year’s W-2 form and a copy of your current year Federal income tax to include with your application or any other supporting materials of this sort. You can download the form here beginning March 9.

Please upload a 5-minute video that best represents your child's playing ability to YouTube as "Unlisted" before completing your application. You will be prompted to enter the YouTube URL or link on the final page of the application. Recordings can include etudes, solos, excerpts, and/or scales.

 Questions?

To learn more, contact us at pathways@kaufmanmusiccenter.org.

Our Supporters

Lucy Moses School’s Pathways is made possible thanks to support from Rose Hirschel, Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation, The Joel Foundation, and The Keith Haring Foundation.