Testimonials

from Great Nonprofits (see below)

Julian Wade, Alumnus: The Joy of Music Program (JOMP) is one of those rare organizations that truly impacts people’s lives for the better. I am only an individual among countless who have benefited from all they have to offer. From the time of my youth all the way through college I received music lessons from the faculty at JOMP. I received instruction from some of the most talented and supportive people I have ever met. They inspired you to do and be your best while continually providing a fun and encouraging environment. The community that JOMP provided for me cannot be matched by any other organization that I have come into contact with. They did not simply provide a place for music lessons, but a place to grow as a person. I cannot say enough about what a wonderful organization JOMP is and what wonderful people run it.

• I've seen the results of this organization in... My every day life. I would not be the person I am without the Joy of Music Program.
• What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... The community they foster, from young to old. All are welcome and no one is judged.
• The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... Individuals who not only cared about music but the people as well.
• If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... Enrich and better the lives of many more people through its generous scholarship program.
• In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Lack of funding for the arts which decreases their ability to extend their scholarship program to more people.

Former Faculty Member, Bridget Kazukiewicz: I served on the faculty at JOMP for 5 years. I have not worked with any organization before or after that can compare to my experience there. I am most struck by Wendy and Rich Ardizzone's purity of intention to bring joyful music experiences to the Worcester community, commitment and tireless work, and total success in achieving their mission. Because of this, they attract staff and faculty with similar commitment and enthusiasm and have created an amazing sense of community. I felt valued, appreciated, and supported as a teacher there and miss it immensely after moving away from the area.

• The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... It is so rare to find a place where all the staff is strikingly friendly, helpful, enthusiastic, dedicated to the mission of the organization, and COMPETENT!! It was a pleasure to work with the office staff at JOMP.
• If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... help more under served children and adults experience: the joy of music, the joy of learning, the feeling of being part of a community, achievement, success,and pride. Providing these experiences to people can change who they are and change the world!
• In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... continuing to educate people in the value of music and the arts and surviving financially when even the people who want to give are unable.

Ana Apostoleris, Alumna: I've been involved with JOMP since I was five or six years old -- first through music and movement, then chorus, then private piano and flute lessons and various ensembles. I can honestly say that very few things were more central to my growth than JOMP was. The chamber orchestra, especially, was a great thing for me throughout high school - it was a privilege to be able to play fantastic repertoire at Mechanics Hall twice a year. I think what sets JOMP apart from other music programs is the faculty... there's a ridiculously high concentration of teachers who are really exceptional musicians and people who care so much about imparting their love of music to their students.

• The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... So good. Just a really fantastic and supportive community.
• In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... similar to those of any non-profit... continuing to expand their outreach while working within financial constraints.

Former Board Member, Student and Parent, Coppi Eder: The Joy of Music Program in Worcester is a gem in the center of a state full of music opportunities. Having been a parent of a student, a board member and a student, I can say that the quality of teaching, overall mission to encourage joy while playing and listening to music, and community outreach is incomparable. The quality of the teaching staff is superlative and the caring, joyful & accepting atmosphere is like no other music school. One of many favorite memories is of being part of an impromptu audience, in the waiting room, for a child that wanted to share an exciting accomplishment.

• I've seen the results of this organization in... my son's musical growth and accomplishment while a student at JOMP.
• What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... the personal attention my son received as well as the sense of community and belonging that served to nurture his self-confidence and that of others irrespective of instrumental skill level. It was a non-judgmental, all-inclusive environment.
• The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... to put it simply, like members of one big, happy family.
• If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... expand its performance area to seat a greater audience as well as allow its orchestra more elbow-room. The acoustics of the performance area could also be improved.
• One thing I'd also say is that... music enriches souls in ways too innumerable to list. We need it, our children need it, and what JOMP offers should be supported, sustained, and reinforced by whatever means possible. Its service to the greater community is invaluable.

Great Nonprofits: There are over 50 reviews of JOMP on this nationwide website. Current and former students, faculty, parents and board members participated. We choose 4 or 5 periodically to highlight on this page. To read them all, click on the link to the Great Nonprofits website: Reviews of JOMP on Great Nonprofits