Noel Pointer Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Music Education

Nonprofit org founded in 1995 to honor jazz violinist now serves over 35,000 students across NYC

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:07pm

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The Noel Pointer Foundation, a non-profit organization launched 30 years ago in 1995 to honor the memory of Grammy-nominated jazz violinist Noel Pointer, operates music programs in close to 50 schools and daycare centers across New York City, having served over 35,000 students in all five boroughs through its Ensemble Program, Solo Program, and Music Enrichment Electives.

Why it matters

The Noel Pointer Foundation's work highlights the ongoing importance of providing music education opportunities, especially in underserved communities, to help shape the lives of young people through the transformative power of learning an instrument.

The details

Starting with 18 children at PS 44 in Brooklyn, the Noel Pointer Foundation has grown to offer its on-campus preparatory program with a range of music education offerings for students from 9 months old to adults, reflecting Pointer's belief that teaching a child a string instrument can change the entire trajectory of their life.

  • The Noel Pointer Foundation was launched in 1995.
  • The organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Noel Pointer

A Grammy-nominated jazz violinist who loved performing in inner city communities and believed strongly that teaching a child a string instrument had the potential to change the entire trajectory of their life.

Noel Pointer Foundation

A non-profit organization launched 30 years ago in 1995 to honor the memory of jazz violinist Noel Pointer, operating music programs in close to 50 schools and daycare centers across New York City and having served over 35,000 students in all five boroughs.

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The takeaway

The Noel Pointer Foundation's three decades of work providing music education opportunities, especially in underserved communities, demonstrates the lasting impact that can be made by honoring an artist's legacy and belief in the transformative power of learning an instrument.