Established in 1995, the Noel Pointer Foundation (NPF) is the only organization of its kind represented within the five boroughs of New York City. At the core of its inception this prestigious foundation, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, was built on the premise that through the learning of string music our youth would be empowered, therefore strengthening and creating positive change within their families and communities. The NPF has been relentless in pursuit of our mission, to dramatically enrich our children’s musical, cultural and academic experience by infusing them with a positive sense of who they are and a boundless sense of who they can become and what they can achieve.
From the inception of the Foundation in 1995, the NPF began to award aspiring violinists with scholarships, enabling them to continue their education in music. Realizing another distinct need, in 1998 the Foundation established the Noel Pointer School of Music (NPSOM). This institution was created to provide motivated children from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods with intensive musical instruction. In addition to this, NPSOM is proud to offer its students an experience in cultural enrichment that enhances academic learning, social development, and personal expression. This goal is met by supplementing instrumental instruction with music theory, music appreciation and music history. NPSOM also believes that it is imperative to give our children multiple opportunities to showcase their talents, and share intimate visits with established performing artists in the genre of string music as well.
Beginning this work with a single program of only 18 students, we are proud that today, thanks to an active Board, devoted staff, dedicated teachers and grantors, NPSOM has successfully created music programs in 23 NYC public schools, serving over 800 students. In addition, we offer a summer program and, most recently, have added a Saturday program which has proved to be quite popular with children in the various communities we serve.
The Noel Pointer Foundation continues to positively affect the lives of our children, maintaining a strong commitment to our mission while bringing enjoyment through music to our children and their families, each and every day.
The Noel Pointer Foundation, “Empowering Children, One Note at a Time…”
