Who We Are
Music has played a large role in my life. Listening to music and playing music are two of my favorite pastimes. I strongly believe in the benefits of learning to play an instrument. It’s truly a practice that greatly rewards hard work. I am inspired by the dedication musicians put into advancing their craft.
When I was 5 years old, my parents enrolled me (and eventually my younger brother) in piano lessons. Truthfully, I was never very passionate about playing the piano. Years later, I picked up the guitar and fell in love. I quit the piano and began guitar lessons. Initially, my zeal for the guitar motivated me to practice endlessly. I believe my commitment to this instrument instilled values and ideals of hard work in me.
Not long ago, I began to wonder about other students who did not have access to instruments and music teachers. I realized how fortunate I was to attend a school with several music programs and parents who encouraged me to pursue my musical desires. I decided that I had taken too much for granted and wanted to give back to the community. I started to discuss ways to help other students. Thus, the idea for my nonprofit was born. My goal is to raise money through donations to fund music, theater, and art programs in schools.
Joseph Dermody, Board Member
As an interdisciplinary artist Joseph Dermody, originally from Rhode Island, has always focused on a balanced mix of many different forms of visual and performing arts. He received his Bachelors and Masters of Music Performance from Rhode Island College, Guildhall School of Music in London, and Purchase Conservatory, NY.
Throughout the past two decades, Joseph has held faculty positions in Music at Rye Country Day School, Rye, NY; Concordia College, Bronxville, NY; and a full private teaching studio in Greenwich, CT. He has also been an active board member of several local arts organizations.
In 2019, Joseph founded Harold Avenue Studios, a Brooklyn-inspired repurposed residential space in Greenwich, CT and online network of Musicians, Artists, and Designers. It is a curated environment for artistic exploration with studio gatherings that include, but are not limited to, music performances, rehearsals, lessons, art displays, lectures, design referrals, consultations, and brainstorming. The studio and online collectives were founded to encourage, enrich, enlighten, serve, support, and help sustain Musicians, Artists, and Designers through exploration, education, networking, collaboration, and cross promotion.