About Us

Mission Success! Former MFM Students

Music for Minors programs touch thousands of young lives each year. Our mission “to nurture in children a lifelong love of music” is fulfilled in the ongoing development of singers and instrumentalists, as well as dancers, music educators and enthusiasts, along with those of us whose lives are enriched by music in simple everyday ways. Meet just a few of our former MFM students whose stories illustrate the far-reaching impact of early music education.

Cory Cullinan, MFM student late 1970s-early 1980s

Cory is a music teacher turned children's music artist. His award-winning career as Doctor Noize has inspired thousands of kids and their families by engaging them in the creative process through multi-media and live music productions. Learn more about Cory.

Nicky Gelman, MFM student 1994-1998

Nicky is a recent Duke University graduate who minored in music, focusing on singing and vocal performance, in addition to guitar and jazz saxophone. Learn more about Nicky.

Sarah McKinney, MFM student 1982-1988

Sarah is a graduate student in business who calls music a grounding force in her life, one that she consistently returns to for comfort and an avenue of expression. Learn more about Sarah.

Diana Neebe, MFM student 1990-1996

Diana is a high school English teacher who sings with a community chorus and uses music in her classroom every day. Learn more about Diana.

Tyler Polen, MFM student 2002-2004

Tyler is a junior in high school and long-time member of the Ragazzi Boys Chorus. At the age of 12, he performed the title role in the San Francisco Opera's production of The Little Prince (2008). Learn more about Tyler.

Alexa Strutner, MFM student 1998-2002

Alexa is a freshman at NYU who has focused on percussion in marching and symphonic bands throughout high school, as well an after-school steel drum band. Learn more about Alexa.