Mission
To amplify the potential and success of children in the Washington, D.C. area by educating, empowering, and inspiring families through increased awareness of music education’s transformative benefits and by connecting them to an ecosystem of accessible music education programs and a supportive community.
Through educational resources, youth-led performances and community outreach, we foster a sense of belonging and share the transformative power of music.
Vision
To build a community where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality music education and the life-changing opportunities it offers. Together, we can help families see that learning an instrument is not only possible but also profoundly impactful for their children’s future.
Core Purpose
At Play for Music Education, we don’t just talk about the importance of music, we take action to educate, empower, inspire, and connect families across Washington, D.C. to the music education resources and opportunities that can transform their children's futures.
Educate
Educate: Raising Awareness About Music’s Impact
Many parents don’t realize the lifelong benefits of music education. We bridge this gap by:
Hosting live, interactive concerts that highlight research-backed insights into how music enhances brain development, academic performance, and social skills.
Creating engaging content across social media, blogs, and community events to answer common parent questions such as: "How do I get my child started in music?" and "What are the tangible benefits of music education?"
Providing direct guidance on finding affordable, high-quality programs like the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP), including scholarships and cost-effective options to make access possible.
Empower
Empower: Giving Families the Tools to Get Started
We don’t just share why music education matters; we help families take we help families take meaningful action:
Distributing flyers and digital guides at concerts and events to connect families with music programs, teachers, and financial aid.
Maintaining a comprehensive online resource hub featuring step-by-step guides for enrolling children in accessible music programs, simplifying the process for parents.
Offering a success roadmap that demonstrates, through data and real stories, how music education nurtures skills beyond music, including in math, reading, leadership, and career growth.
Inspire
Inspire: Showing Kids What’s Possible Through Performances
Representation matters. We help kids see themselves in music by:
Bringing live performances into their world, with youth-led concerts at schools, markets, and libraries, where young musicians perform and share their personal journeys.
Creating an interactive music education experience that makes classical music fun, relatable, and inspiring for both kids and parents.
Sharing success stories of young musicians who have used their music education to excel not only in music, but also in math, science, writing, leadership roles, and beyond.
Connect
Connect: Building a Collaborative Ecosystem of Opportunities
We bridge the gap between families and the community of music education organizations by:
Connecting with DC schools, music organizations, community groups, and local businesses to engage them in our mission and vision of helping families access music education.
Providing pathways that connect families to an ecosystem of accessible music programs, resources, and opportunities.
Strengthening community engagement to ensure every child has access to the tools they need to succeed through music education, regardless of their background or resources.
About Us
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Avril Graffe Droboniku
CO-FOUNDER
I’m Avril, a 15-year-old cellist whose musical journey began at age five. After moving to the U.S., music became my way of making friends—even when words didn’t come easily. Joining the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) in 2017 became a turning point—I found a supportive community and discovered the power of performances to bring people together. I’ve played at the Kennedy Center, shared the stage with the U.S. Army Band, the Grammy nominated Inscape orchestra and opened for the NSO’s Ugly Sweater Concert at the Anthem. When I’m not making music, I’m staying active—whether it’s playing varsity lacrosse, exploring DC’s museums, or catching a great concert.
My hope is to inspire other children to explore music and find the same sense of connection and belonging that it gave to me.
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Santiago Funes Mendiola
CO-FOUNDER
My friends call me Santi. I am a 15-year-old violinist from Washington, D.C. I began playing the violin at age five. My passion for classical music started at National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) concerts. It grew through my participation at the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) and the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (WMPI).
Thanks to these programs, I’ve played at the Kennedy Center and the National Gallery of Art, participated in a side-by-side rehearsal with the National Symphony Orchestra, and toured Europe last summer with DCYOP.
I also love advanced math—I’m currently taking AP Pre-Calculus and Advanced Algebra II—and have been part of DCI’s competitive robotics team since 2021. Balancing rigorous academics and music has shown me that discipline, hard work and passion can open extraordinary doors, no matter your background.
Acknowledging Our Trusted Advisors
At Play for Music Education, we dream big. We are ambitious in our ideas and committed to turning them into reality. We also recognize that we don’t have all the knowledge and expertise to do this project alone.
That’s why we are incredibly grateful to have the guidance and strong support of an advisory group, trusted adults who bring experience, insight, and mentorship to our initiative. Their advice helps us navigate everything from branding to strategy, community engagement, fundraising, and event planning.
Your belief in our vision and willingness to share your time and knowledge will make a meaningful impact in expanding access to music education.
Advisors
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Jamila Tekalli Hanner, Ph.D.
Artistic Director
Washington Musical Pathways Initiative -
Gianna Milan
Program Manager
Washington Musical Pathways Initiative -
Steve Moore
Executive Director
Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) -
Silvia Dumitrescu
Senior Vice President, Member Engagement & Operations
International Food Information Council -
Beatriz Slooten
Behavioral Scientist
Save the Children International -
Leila Antlaky
Editor and Founder
Ninu Nina Art + Activism -
Stela Droboniku
Obstetrician Gynocologist
Postpartum Support International -
Maria C. Mendiola
Chief Strategy Officer,
The Washington Center
“We do not teach music to make musicians, but to make good human beings.”
Shinichi Suzuki
Nurtured by Love book.