Music as a Bridge: TLS Spotlight on the Musical Mentorship Initiative
Members of the Musical Mentorship Initiative pose with student musicians in Nairobi in 2023.
Bard students Blanche Darr ’25, Drew Frankenberg ’28, Lexi Lanni ’26, Fredrick Otieno ’28, and Aleksandar Vitanov ’25 have all played critical roles in advancing the Musical Mentorship Initiative, a program that makes music education accessible to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
The Musical Mentorship Initiative (MMI), a Trustee Leadership Scholar (TLS) project at Bard is a great example of how student-led initiatives create change locally and globally by fostering deep connections between communities and cultures. The student voices behind this initiative remind us that the most transformative efforts often start with a simple desire to give back.
Blanche Darr ’25, Drew Frankenberg ’28, Lexi Lanni ’26, Fredrick Otieno ’28, and Aleksandar Vitanov ’25 have all played critical roles in advancing MMI, a program that makes music education accessible to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity. From the Hudson Valley to Nairobi, Kenya, MMI connects Bard musicians with young students, offering one-on-one music lessons, resources, and mentorship.
"We realized that none of us would be where we are today without the donated time and mentorship of our teachers," says Blanche Darr. "We wanted to return that favor to future students." This sentiment, echoed by all the members, lies at the heart of MMI, which was founded in 2020 to break down the financial barriers that often prevent children from learning an instrument.
The reach of MMI expanded in 2023, thanks to Fredrick Otieno, who grew up in Nairobi. After giving lessons to young musicians in his hometown, Otieno helped establish Musical Mentorship Initiative Kenya (MMIK), bringing the project to over 120 youth this summer. The team’s efforts culminated in two concerts in Nairobi and Mombasa, offering children both personal instruction and performance experience. "Our trip to Kenya was incredible. The energy was high, and we put on a 3-hour concert in Nairobi," Otieno said.
Beyond the music itself, what makes these projects successful is the enthusiasm of the Bard student leaders. Darr noted, "Student energy is crucial for keeping our project going. It’s the heart and soul of what we do." They made it clear that it’s not just about the music lessons—it’s about the relationships built, the communities formed, and the mutual learning that happens along the way.
For those curious about civic engagement or starting their own project, everyone on the MMI team recommends visiting the TLS office. Even though it can feel daunting to start a project, the TLS staff offers unwavering support and guidance every step of the way.
As Bard’s students continue to dream up new projects and foster existing ones, it’s clear that civic engagement at Bard is not limited to the local community—it has the potential to create change worldwide. If you want to get involved, visit the MMI site or follow the project on Instagram to see how music is connecting Bard students with young musicians, near and far. You can also visit the TLS office on the 2nd floor of the Campus Center.
Post Date: 10-18-2024