Welcome to the Board!
We are pleased to welcome Rosa Nguyen to the Joy of Music Board of Directors. Her passion for music and deep connection to our community make her a wonderful addition to our leadership team. In the following interview, Rosa shares more about her personal journey with music and her hopes for contributing to the school’s mission.
What drew you to join JOMP’s board?
When my oldest son turned five, I wanted to enroll him in piano lessons. I reached out to private instructors and music schools but was repeatedly turned away because he was considered too young. When I contacted JOMP, they truly listened instead of dismissing us. I was able to share that my son could already read and write, was advanced in math for his age, we had two pianos at home along with other instruments, and he already knew the C Major scale. JOMP offered him three trial lessons and the rest is history.
Today, all three of my children attend JOMP and take piano lessons. Once we discovered JOMP, my younger children began participating in various classes as early as age two. JOMP has truly become our second home. Our family is deeply immersed in music, art, and culture, and the teachers, staff, and executive team are among the most passionate, empathetic, kind, and caring people I have ever met. The school is not only close to our home, but also an integral part of our community.
JOMP has provided my children with incredible opportunities to grow and excel in their musical journeys. Serving on the board is my way of contributing my effort and energy into something that has provided so much happiness and enrichment to my family. I look forward to supporting JOMP’s continued growth and giving back to a school and community that has given so much to my family.
Can you share a bit about your own musical journey?
My parents tell me that I was enrolled in piano lessons at a young age, though I admittedly was not very eager to learn at the time and eventually stopped and I have no recollection of those early lessons. As I grew older, my school offered string instrument instruction, and I became interested in learning the violin. I studied violin from fifth through eighth grade and sang in my middle school chorus.
When I entered high school, my interests shifted toward athletics, which required a significant time commitment, and music took a back seat. Still, I am grateful for the years I spent in music education, as it gave me a foundation that allowed me to teach my children the very basics of reading sheet music.
As for the future, piano lessons may be on the horizon as my children are now eager to become my teachers. I enjoy many genres of music and truly cannot choose a favorite.
Do you have any memorable experiences from your own music education?
One of my most memorable experiences from my music education was performing during the holidays in elementary school. We practiced by going from classroom to classroom, giving small, informal performances to help ease stage fright before our larger concert in the auditorium. Eventually, we performed in front of the entire school, along with parents, teachers, and staff.
These early experiences were incredibly impactful. They gave me the confidence to perform and sing in front of a large audience and played a meaningful role in helping me overcome my fear of public speaking and is a skill that has stayed with me well beyond the stage.
How do you see the school’s relationship with the local community evolving in the next few years?
I envision JOMP becoming a well-known hidden gem within our community and beyond. In the coming years, I see increased collaboration with local schools, businesses, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities, allowing the school’s impact to extend far beyond its walls.
I believe music has the power to bring joy, foster peace, and create meaningful connections. By deepening these community partnerships, JOMP can continue to enrich lives and help make our community and the world a better place.
What message would you like to share with our community of students, parents, and supporters?
I encourage our community to continue supporting and advocating for our nonprofit music school and the incredible people we serve. Your involvement, encouragement, and willingness to spread the word allow us to grow, reach new milestones, and expand our impact. Together, we can ensure that music education remains accessible, inspiring, and transformative for generations to come.
