A vital part of Hoff-Barthelson’s mission is to bring the transformational power of music into the local community. In partnership with local social service, health, and education institutions, we offer music therapy and group instruction to young children from challenging circumstances and neighborhood concerts for older adults who would otherwise have little or no access to music.  Programs are supported through institutional grants, individual contributions, and through the School’s operations. 

Programs include:

• Lively music workshops for students receiving intensive rehabilitation and medical care at Mount Pleasant Blythedale Children’s Hospital Special School District in Valhalla, New York.

• Eurhythmic classes for 80 three- and four-year-olds in Head Start at Westchester Community Opportunity Programs (WestCOP) in two locations, Mount Vernon and Port Chester, New York. Faculty teach musical concepts through movement, singing, and the introduction of classical, jazz, and folk music.

• Weekly classes for preschool children who live at WestHELP, a permanent housing facility for homeless families in Mount Vernon, New York. The curriculum focuses on Dalcroze Eurhythmics, introducing musical concepts through movement, singing, and musical games.