Making Music, Building Leaders

WHO: Passionate musicians ages 15–18, limited to 20 dedicated participants.

WHEN: June 22–27, 2025. Daily schedule: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (with occasional evening activities).

WHERE: Midori & Friends Offices, 251 West 30th Street, Suite 15E, New York, NY 10001, and select venues across NYC.

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Early Registration by March 24, 2025
  • Deadline to apply: April 7, 2025
  • Notification by April 21, 2025

Educators

Randall Goosby

Randall Goosby

Signed exclusively to Decca Classics in 2020 at the age of24, American violinist Randall Goosby is acclaimed for the sensitivity and intensity of his musicianship alongside his determination to make music more inclusive and accessible, as well as bringing the music of under-represented composers to light. Goosby made his debut with the Jacksonville Symphony at age nine. At age 13, he performed with the New York Philharmonic on a Young People’s Concert at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall and became the youngest recipient ever to win the Sphinx Concerto Competition. He is a recipient of Sphinx’s Isaac Stern Award and of a career advancement grant from the Bagby Foundation. A graduate of the Juilliard School, he continues his studies there, pursuing an Artist Diploma under Itzhak Perlman and Catherine Cho. An active chamber musician, he has spent his summers studying at the Perlman Music Program, Verbier Festival Academy and Mozarteum Summer Academy among others

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Will Healy

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ARKAI

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Igor Begelman

Igor Begelman

Acclaimed clarinetist Igor Begelman is celebrated worldwide for his virtuosity and imagination, earning prestigious honors including the Avery Fisher Career Grant. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras including the Houston Symphony and L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and appeared at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

A champion of new music, Begelman has premiered works by notable composers including Jennifer Higdon, Anton Kuerti, Alex Krasotov, David Robert Coleman, Meyer Kupferman, Elliot Schwartz, and Ralph Shapey. His exceptional talent has earned him top prizes at international competitions in Denmark and Switzerland. In addition, he has earned top prizes at William C. Byrd Competition, Koussevitsky Competition, International Clarinet Society Competition, Heida Hermanns International Competition, Tilden Prize Competition and Crane New Music Competition among others. His honors also include the Special Prize at the 41st Munich International Competition and awards from the Altamura/Caruso Foundation and Salon de Virtuosi. Mr. Begelman is the five-time recipient of the BRIO award from the Bronx Council for the Arts.

Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, Begelman received his education from The Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School. As a dedicated educator, he has taught at several prestigious institutions including North Carolina School for the Arts, Swarthmore, Yale and served as Artist-in-Residence at the Peace Center in Greenville, SC, where his music appreciation lectures and mentorship programs reached diverse audiences.

Mandy Defilippo

Mandy Defilippo

Mandy is a Managing Director and COO of Legal & Compliance, Risk and Operations at Citadel Securities. She joined Citadel in 2022 from Morgan Stanley, where she was a Managing Director and Global Head of Business Unit Risk Management for the Fixed Income & Commodities Division.

Mandy joined Morgan Stanley in 2007, in the Global Capital Markets division, based in London. She first worked in the Equity Capital Markets team, and from 2011 until 2013, she ran the Capital Markets Structuring Team in GCM EMEA for both debt and equity products. From 2013 until the beginning of 2017, Mandy was Chief Operating Officer for Global Capital Markets in EMEA, and Chief Risk Officer for GCM International, covering EMEA, Asia-Pacific and Japan.

Mandy is an active participant in industry-wide organizations in the financial markets, including initiatives to establish industry standards. From 2018 until 2023, she was the Chair of the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA), the first woman Chair in the organization’s 50+ year history.

Mandy has been active as a public speaker about risk management and related topics, as well as leadership and diversity in the financial services industry more broadly. In 2019, Mandy was named by Financial News as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in European Finance. She was also featured by Euromoney with an individual profile as part of their 50th anniversary series focusing on the past 50 years in the capital markets (2019).

At Harvard Law School, Mandy served as the Klinsky Professor of Leadership and Progress for the 2019-2020 academic year and has returned to campus as a Lecturer on Law in subsequent years.

Before entering the world of investment banking, Mandy was a practicing US corporate and securities lawyer at Allen & Overy LLP in London. She is currently based in New York.

The Midori Summer Music Lab is a week-long immersive summer institute that offers 20 high school musicians an exclusive opportunity to elevate their artistry, leadership, and advocacy skills in the heart of New York City. Designed for passionate and dedicated students, this immersive program connects participants to the legacy and mission of Midori & Friends: using the transformative power of music to inspire, educate, and unite.

 

Through daily coaching sessions with renowned artists, interactive masterclasses, and a culminating performance, students refine their craft while exploring their unique voice as musicians. Rooted in the legacy of Midori and her commitment to excellence, the program provides the foundation for young musicians to listen, learn and lead. Career panels and
evening activities provide insight into pathways in the music world, equipping participants with the tools to navigate the complexities of building a sustainable and impactful career in the arts and expand their perspectives.

The Midori Summer Music Lab embraces the vision of its founder, legendary violinist, educator and activist Midori, who champions the role of musicians as leaders and change-makers. This unique summer lab encourages students to view music as more than performance—it’s a means to listen and connect with others, inspire them as leaders and advocates for important causes, and elevate their artistry. Participants will graduate from the summer lab with a strong sense of purpose, lasting connections with peers, career insights, a network of professional artists, and refined artistry.

  • Coaching & Masterclasses: students will closely with world-class artists to refine technique and artistic expression.
  • Concert Performance: students will perform in a final concert to showcase their artistry.
  • Leadership & Advocacy Training: students will learn to how to effectively advocate for music education and champion causes close to their heart.
  • Career Panels & Mentorship: students will explore diverse career paths in music through panels with music industry professionals.
  • Community & Connection: students will engage with peers who share their passion for music, leadership, and service.

This one-of-a-kind program accepts only 20 students, offering a highly personalized and impactful experience. Each participant will work closely with a dedicated music mentor, receiving individualized coaching, feedback, and guidance throughout the week. If you’re ready to take the next step in your musical journey while growing as a leader and advocate, the Midori Summer Music Lab is the perfect place to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Midori Summer Music Lab?

The Midori Summer Music Lab is a week-long immersive summer institute for high school musicians (ages 15–18) that focuses on elevating artistry, leadership, and advocacy skills. Through coaching with world-class artists, masterclasses, and leadership workshops, students gain tools to refine  their craft, explore career paths, and connect with peers who share their passion for music.

2. Who is eligible to participate?

The program is open to high school instrumental and vocal musicians aged 15–18 who are passionate about music and eager to grow as artists and leaders.

3. Where does the program take place?

The program is based at the Midori & Friends Offices (251 West 30th Street, Suite 15E, New York, NY 10001) and includes visits to select venues across New York City for workshops and performances.

4. What is the daily schedule?

The program runs from June 22–27, 2025, with daily sessions from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There will also be occasional evening activities.

5. What is the cost of the program? Are scholarships available?

The program fee is $1,500.
Early registration by March 24, 2025, waives the $50 application fee. Please inquire with Midori & Friends at education@midoriandfriends.org if financial assistance is needed.

6. How many students will be accepted?

The program is highly selective and limited to 20 students, ensuring a personalized and impactful experience for each participant.

7. What will students learn during the program?

Participants will refine their musical technique, explore leadership and advocacy skills, and gain insight into music career pathways.

Program highlights include:

  • Coaching & masterclasses with world-class artists.
  • A final concert to showcase student artistry.
  • Leadership & advocacy training to inspire students as change-makers.
  • Career panels & mentorship with industry professionals.
  • Community-building with like-minded peers.

8. Will students receive individual attention?

Yes! Each student will be paired with a dedicated music mentor who will provide individualized coaching, feedback, and guidance throughout the week.

9. Is this program suitable for students who are new to leadership or advocacy?

Absolutely. The program is designed to inspire students to see music as a tool for connection, advocacy, and leadership. No prior experience in leadership or advocacy is required—just a passion for music and a willingness to grow.

10. What materials or preparation are required?

Students will need to complete the online application, which includes providing basic personal and school information, musical background, and a series of short responses about their interests and goals. Here’s an overview of the application components:

  • Basic Information: Full name, date of birth, preferred pronouns, and grade level for the 2024-2025 school year.
  • Musical Background: Main instrument, years of playing, current private lesson teacher (if applicable), and a brief story about the students musical journey and inspirations.
  • Program Goals: Responses on how the Midori Summer Music Lab aligns with the students aspirations and how music has made a positive impact in their community. 
  • Audition Videos: Applicants must submit two videos:
    • Musical Piece: A solo performance showcasing the students artistry (any genre).
    • Technical/Ensemble Piece: A performance with an ensemble, duo, or live self-recorded piece.
  • Parent/Emergency Contact Details: Parent name, email, phone number, emergency contact information, and address.

A detailed application guide and instructions for audition video submissions are included in the application form. Students should submit their materials by April 7, 2025, with early registration (by March 24, 2025).

11. Will meals be provided?

Lunch will be provided. Snacks and water will be available throughout the day.

12. How do I apply?

Students can apply online at the following link: Midori Summer Music Lab Application Applications must be submitted by April 7, 2025, and early registration by March 24, 2025, waives the $50 application fee.

13. How will this program benefit students?

Participants will gain:

  • Enhanced musical skills through personalized coaching and masterclasses.
  • Leadership and advocacy tools to make a difference in their communities.
  • Career insights and connections with music industry professionals.
  • Peer connections and a network of professional mentors.

14. Will Midori be present during this Summer Lab?

Midori has a very busy schedule so she will not be actively involved, but there is a possibility that she will make an appearance.

15. Who can I contact with questions?

For more information, please contact Midori & Friends at:

Education@midoriandfriends.org.