Education Through Music (ETM), a nonprofit championing music education for underserved students in New York City, hosted its 2025 fundraising gala, “Making Minds Sing,” on Thursday at 583 Park Avenue. The celebration brought together leaders from real estate, finance, and the music industry to honor ETM's transformative impact and growing reach.
PHOTO: Education Through Music (ETM), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing music education to underserved students in New York City, held its 2025 fundraising gala on Thursday evening at 583 Park Avenue. The event – “Making Minds Sing” – brought together supporters from the real estate industry, investment banking, and the music field, as well as supporters, advocates, and community leaders in celebration of the transformative power of music in education.
Opening Notes with Celebrity Support
The evening opened with a surprise video from Grammy-winning artist Common, who welcomed guests and introduced his longtime supporter and mentor, Sway Calloway. Calloway, a hip-hop icon and music journalist, returned as emcee by popular demand, guiding the night with his trademark charisma and warmth.
PHOTO: Sway Calloway, a Hip-Hop icon and music journalist, served as the evening's emcee, returning to the 2025 gala by popular demand and leading the night with charisma, brilliance, and warmth.
Recognizing Visionary Leaders in Education and Community Impact
Frank Alvarado, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Enterprise Project Management Operations at CBRE | Turner & Townsend, received the 2025 Impact Award. Honored for his dedication to underserved students, Alvarado emphasized in his remarks the global and personal importance of music access: “It will create adults with cadence and determination… and if we are lucky, some will also become adults who will inspire us!”
The newly established Legacy Circle also honored its first inductees — Katherine Elliott, Andrew J. Malik, and Michael Schaefer — three of ETM's most steadfast and generous supporters over the past decades. Their commitment has enabled the organization to scale its programs across an expanding network of schools.
PHOTO: The Impact Award was given to Frank Alvarado, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Enterprise Project Management Operations at CBRE | Turner & Townsend, for his leadership in the community and dedication to music for underserved students. The award was presented by Gabe Hernandez, Gala Co-Chair
Spotlight on Student Talent and Innovation
Chris Atlas, founder of Atlas Entertainment, presented the Music Innovation Award to Keanan Duffty, founder of punk band Slinky Vagabond. Reflecting on his experience mentoring student performers in preparation for the gala, Duffty remarked, “Watching them grow under the guidance of their incredible teachers reminded me why programs like Education Through Music are so essential.”
Student musicians took center stage throughout the night. Highlights included the Dewey Decibels band from PS 72 in the Bronx and students from PS 154 and the Queens School of Inquiry performing “For Good” and “Lean on Me.” The finale featured ETM's high-school rock band, The Hallows, in a crowd-energizing performance.
PHOTO: Founded in 1991, Education Through Music has been a champion of music education, providing over 8 million hours of instruction and impacting the lives of nearly 20,000 underserved students weekly throughout New York City.
A Legacy of Access and Opportunity
Since its founding in 1991, ETM has provided over 8 million hours of music instruction, currently serving nearly 20,000 students weekly in New York City. Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of Education Through Music, captured the spirit of the evening, sharing:
“Children, 90% of whom live below the poverty line, singing in choruses, performing in orchestras and bands… Children who exhibit pride, experience joy and who feel good about themselves and what they are doing.”
PHOTO: ETM Board Members and Supporters
Continuing the Mission
The 2025 gala was a powerful reminder of the role music plays in shaping confident, collaborative, and inspired young people. For more information or to support Education Through Music, visit ETMonline.org.
