Founded in 2010, we are a community of young musicians from over 20 different schools in Corona and beyond.
Corona is a vibrant community in the heart of Queens, NYC. Home to many musicians, from Louis Armstrong to Madonna, Corona is now fostering a new generation of musicians and activists who are using music to improve their community.
About Us
The Corona Youth Music Project, or Núcleo Corona, is a music education program that promotes social inclusion in New York City by providing tuition-free instruction and opportunities for youth and children in Corona, Queens. It strives to empower children and youth to excel through their participation in collective music learning and performance.
The project includes an after-school program and intensive seminars and camps. This “núcleo” supports three youth and children’s symphony orchestras, an orchestral initiation program, along with instrumental and musicianship training and a youth mentoring program that aims to raise the next generations of leaders and teaching artists who will raise a new generation of social activist musicians.
Núcleo Corona serves the neighborhood by providing a safe, fun place for children to develop discipline, persistence, and self-esteem through music, and become productive valued members of society.
Core Values
An orchestra is a community
Building a strong community takes positive leadership. Learning music in an ensemble promotes teamwork, peer encouragement and mentoring. In keeping strong ties with the community and its organizations, the CYMP aspires to develop valuable leaders for Corona and beyond.
Strive to be our best
Pursuing artistic excellence as a habitual practice is a goal on itself. This immense challenge inspires the young to always strive for the best. Through this process, they can imagine paths for success and happiness that affect personal and professional growth.
Access to music education
Extended time-in-program music education in an ensemble must be accessible to all children and youth, no matter their nationality, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, social or economic status. Access to complementing experiences and training are essential to the mission of the Corona Youth Music Program.
Share the joy of music-making
Music making must express a child's genuine happiness and health. As the most important assets in the Corona community, children carry the same joy to their families and community. Joyful and energetic performance is a result of learning in a fun, safe and loving environment, where children are encouraged to grow to their full potential.