Empowering New Haven students through weekly 1-on-1 music lessons
What is YUMMI?
Yale Undergraduate Music Mentorship Initiative (YUMMI) is a new student-led organization dedicated to expanding access to music education for New Haven youth. Founded on the belief that music is a powerful tool for creativity and community, YUMMI connects Yale student musicians with local public school students for personalized, one-on-one instruction.
Through weekly in-person or virtual sessions, Yale musicians work directly with students to supplement their school music programs. These sessions serve as a bridge between classroom instruction and individual growth—Yale musicians act as mentors, offering guidance on technique, interpretation, and performance. Beyond supporting what students learn in school, YMMI empowers each student to learn at their own pace and follow their individual musical interests.
So far, YUMMI has offered instruction across a wide range of instruments and disciplines, including voice, string instruments (viola, violin, cello, piano, bass, and guitar—both acoustic and electric), woodwinds (flute/piccolo, clarinet, saxophone), brass (trombone), and percussion (drums).
YUMMI is partnered with Worthington Hooker’s after-school programs, and is currently developing new partnerships across New Haven. By pairing Yale’s vibrant community of musicians with the next generation of artists in New Haven, YUMMI strives to nurture musical skill, inspire creativity, and build lasting connections.
Join YUMMI
Do you sing or play an instrument?
Fill out the form below to sign up for our mailing list and become a YUMMI volunteer!