Notes to the Soul, Inc. (NTTS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in 2014. Our Vision is to inspire global social change through the arts, education, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
It started with a name… In late February 2013, two of our founding partners were celebrating the completion of the first phase of a personal development workshop at a bar in NYC. New friends, who had just met days before, at the course, there was much excitement and creativity in the air.
All being musicians and lovers of music, the conversation turned to the topic of expression. Ray made a statement, using a phrase he had come up with, that “music is my first language”, and how it allows him to express himself in ways that words cannot. Tommy quickly responded, ”that would look great on a t-shirt!”
The idea that no matter what culture, economic background, or beliefs you have, music is the thread that ties us all together. Whether you can understand the words or not, what music can make you feel is a language in and of itself. Music takes us on a journey weaving a story and clearly conveying the emotion and energy of the artist.
Needless to say, the phrase quickly turned into a new altruistic vision.
In the following weeks, the excitement had not diminished. Brainstorming led to thinking about what could be created. Acknowledging (Realizing) that the gift of learning and performing music was truly transformational in people’s lives, the thought moved to how it could benefit children.
It is no mystery that with rising costs of just providing the basics in our schools, funding for arts and music programming is being cut at every turn. What once was a cornerstone of a child’s education, is now a “nice thing to have”, but not required.
The thing about that is there is no less desire from the kids to learn and play music. Those who have the means to take private lessons are very fortunate, but there are many who are not so fortunate.
From there we birthed our 3 pillars
MusicMakers.io (NTTS Technology Platform & Career Development Program) consists of career development workshops open to the community.
Brooklyn Sound Lab (NTTS Career Development & Product Development Program) provides scholarships and grants to students who wish to delve deeper into their musical training but do not have the financial means.
Music is My First Language (NTTS Educational Program) consists of music education residencies in schools for students ages 9-18. NTTS provides instrument donations, scholarships, and grants to children and schools.
