The Noel Pointer Foundation

The Noel Pointer Foundation is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit with programs citywide and a mission to connect youth 3-18 years old from NYC's historically underserved communities with music education and performance, empowering children through the transformative benefits of learning a string instrument. For children in NYC's underserved communities, learning to play the violin or cello isn’t just about the music- it’s about confidence, community, and endless potential.

Who We Are

Launched in 1995 to honor the legacy of platinum-selling and Grammy-nominated violinist Noel Pointer, NPF has worked with 100 schools and served 39,000 children over the course of over three decades.  Each year NPF engages 2,000 children through over 40 free music programs in schools and daycares, and through community-based music programming based in Bedford Stuyvesant which provides artistically rigorous, accessible, and affordable beginner through pre-professional string instruction during critical out-of-school hours.