Joy of Music Program (JOMP) was founded in 1986 by Wendy Webster Ardizzone. She created JOMP’s mission “to enrich lives and foster community through accessible music education and performance” in 1989 when JOMP became a not-for-profit organization. Today, JOMP is dedicated to creating community through joyful music learning and performance. With its core of outstanding faculty of more than 40 musician educators, JOMP draws students of all ages (infants and children through teens and adults), families, and faculty together in a joyful community united by music education and performance. JOMP’s community participates in instrumental and vocal lessons, ensembles (chamber, jazz, youth orchestra, vocal, woodwind, brass, percussion), JOMP Start (a sequential, music-skills based class series for infants through age 7), low-cost group classes (piano, guitar, ukulele, strings), frequent performing opportunities, workshops, and more.
JOMP is dedicated to ensuring that anyone, regardless of determining factors, who wishes to participate in music learning has that opportunity through its programs. Tuition Assistance for any person with a demonstrated need has been, is, and always will be at the heart of JOMP’s mission. Since 1986, more than $2.8 million has been given in assistance to thousands of individuals from the Worcester area. In addition, JOMP has a series of partnerships and programs with organizations including Worcester Housing Authority, Boys & Girls Club, Head Start, OpporTUNEity that bring music opportunities into the community. Throughout the year, free performance events invite the community into JOMP’s space to experience a range of music.
