Empowering New Haven students through weekly 1-on-1 music lessons
What is YUMMI?
Yale Undergraduate Music Mentorship Initiative (YUMMI, prounounced “you-me”) 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, YUMMI empowers each student to learn at their own pace and follow their individual musical interests.
Impact in New Haven
YUMMI is partnered with Worthington Hooker’s after-school programs, and is currently developing partnerships with other programs as well. 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.
YUMMI offers 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). Our students grow not only as musicians, but also as students and leaders, discovering the role music can play in their lives and communities.
Join YUMMI!
Parents
If you are interested in music mentoring for your child, please fill out the YUMMI Mentee Sign Up Form and we will reach out once we pair you with one of our mentors.
Yale Students
To become a student mentor, please complete our YUMMI Mentor Application. If you’re interested in learning more, you can join our Yale Student mailing list, or email us at yalemusicmentorship@gmail.com.
Teachers
If your school is interested in partnering with our YUMMI volunteers, please email yalemusicmentorship@gmail.com.
YUMMI Board
Yale Undergraduate Music Mentorship Initiative is an entirely student run Yale organization. Our board members are all passionate musicians who continue to mentor for YUMMI throughout the year. Together, we recruit and train new mentors, coordinate sessions, fundraise, and strive to expand the organization to reach as many New Haven music students as we can.
YUMMI holds elections on a yearly basis each Spring.
Contact YUMMI
If you're interested in working with us or have any questions about our program, please leave us a message below! Thanks for getting in touch.