Betsy Bevan was getting over a breakup in 1990, when she decided to attend a workshop by Music for People (MfP) co-founder David Darling at Upstate New York’s Omega Institute. “When I called, there was …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with MfP Program Director Mary Knysh
As the world enters its second year of COVID-19, educators are looking for ways to reinvigorate classroom learning. Music for People (MfP)’s Mary Knysh believes that music-inspired play can help—not just in the band or …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Music Educator Tim Simmons
Tim Simmons believes music comes from the musician, not the instrument. “There’s a song in everyone,” says the affable multi-instrumentalist, who teaches music in grades 1-12 at Delaware Valley Friends School near Philadelphia. “As a …
Sound Bites: A Q&A with Music Educator, Entrepreneur Jan Magray
After retiring as a hospital chaplain in 2009, Jan Magray responded to a chance opportunity to bring music to children via an afterschool program in St. Petersburg’s underserved Midtown neighborhood. From her first visit to …
A Drummer’s Drummer: Meet Tim Simmons
Tim Simmons (Graduate 2013) was, as he says, a “drummer’s drummer.” He grew up in Philly, taught himself to play by playing in bands, gigging all through high school. Like many band drummers he didn’t …
Video: Joining the Musicianship and Leadership Program – Ami Sarasvati
View PostOne River Voices: A Celebration of Human Diversity Through Music
I first attended a “Music for People” seminar 10 years ago in Kiental, Switzerland, where I met Mary Kynsh and David Darling. Since then, both Mary and David have been hugely influential in my approach …
Bringing Music Home – Hosting Improv Gatherings
Connections featured this article which contained several useful suggestions for getting started hosting your own music gatherings. Core Group: Start with a core group of 2 or more people who have been to a workshop …