Our Intergenerational Program
Connecting older adults with young musicians looking to make a difference, building community that spans generations.
A safe, inclusive space to connect through music.
Concerts in Motion’s mission is to alleviate social isolation through the joy of uplifting music and conversation. This mission has never been more important as it is today. Students have been an integral part of our programming since CiM’s founding in 2009.
Our programming positively impacts participants both older and younger, and we offer different opportunities for students of all ages to get involved with Concerts in Motion. Students from schools throughout New York City and beyond can serve communities in need with their unique skills and talents.
If you have any questions about the opportunities we offer, please contact Zenobia Johnson, Program Manager at zenobiajohnson@concertsinmotion.org.
Ways to Get Involved
The Youth Roster
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Students of all skill levels can join our Youth Roster and perform for an audience of older adults in the following types of concerts, all of which are facilitated by a professional musician.
Virtual Concerts (drop-in, twice a week, all student performers)
In-Person Concerts (drop-in, weekly, all student performers)
Virtual Open Mics (drop-in, twice a month, students performing alongside older adults)
All students on our Youth Roster earn community service credit for their participation. We are an approved certifying organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards Program.
Students from the Youth Roster with an interest in creating a CiM Club at their school can learn more at orientation.
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The steps to join the Youth Roster are:
Email Program Manager Zenobia Johnson at zenobiajohnson@concertsinmotion.org, who will send an info packet and the application to you
Submit application (our application period has concluded; student will be placed on Waitlist)
RSVP and attend one of the mandatory orientations/Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care trainings (student and parent must attend)
Monday, September 15th
Wednesday, September 17th
Wednesday, September 24th
Sign up for virtual and in-person concerts (all opportunities are drop-in; perform as often as you’d like)
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High school students who join the Youth Roster have the opportunity to:
Attend social and emotional growth-based workshops to help students discover how they can impact positive individual and community change through their commitment to our work.
Develop relationships with other young musicians, CiM Alumni, professional musicians, and community leaders.
Reflect about their CiM experience through a person-centered lens with their fellow cohort.
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Students who participate in the Youth Roster are invited to perform at Concerts in Motion's annual Spring Benefit Concert which celebrates our student and adult volunteers. This event recognizes the students for their hard work and accomplishments throughout the year, and is an integral part of our Intergenerational Program.
The 2026 event will be held on Wednesday evening, April 29th, 2026 at Kaufman Music Center, Merkin Hall, New York City.
Information about the event is presented at the Student and Parent Orientation, and all students, regardless of the instrument they play, have the opportunity to perform. For more information please contact Zenobia Johnson, Program Manager at zenobiajohnson@concertsinmotion.org.
School-Based Programs
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School faculty members can work with Concerts in Motion’s to present their music ensembles to neighboring older adult agencies.
In-Person Concerts (faculty-led, all student performers)
In-Person Open Mics (faculty-led, students performing alongside older adults)
A Concerts in Motion staff member is present at each concert to fully support and facilitate interaction between students and older adults.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Outreach Coordinator Niti Parthasarathy at nitip@concertsinmotion.org.
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Concerts in Motion is an approved not-for-profit partner for public schools that are part of the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness program.
CiM works with a school’s Seal of Civic Readiness committee to establish the following program goals, using the STAR approach:
Situation: Students learn about New York City’s growing issue of social isolation and its negative impact on an expanding population of older adults.
Task: Students learn how Concerts in Motion works intentionally in communities to relieve social isolation with music and engagement. Students learn how CiM develops relationships with agencies serving different populations, how we recruit and train musicians, and how we present concerts.
Action: Students participate in Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care (PCTIC) training, an approach that Concerts in Motion uses to successfully reach tens of thousands of individuals each year and alleviate their social isolation. Students apply PCTIC, as well as CiM’s core values (empathy, respect, and integrity) to service: participating in CiM concerts and engaging in conversation with older adults.
Result: Students witness first-hand the impact of CiM’s work on our audiences. Students connect with older adults through music and reflect on their experiences in a capstone presentation. Students build leadership skills through community service and a demonstrated understanding of those who came before them.
If you are interested in becoming a CiM Seal partner school, please contact Program Manager Zenobia Johnson at zenobiajohnson@concertsinmotion.org.
Your Impact
Meet our friend, Ramon.
Ramon is a long-time intergenerational concert participant. Over the years, he has supported countless student musicians on their journeys, and enjoyed the music that inspires them all.
“When they’re singing about life and things like that, it hits me right in here. I’ve been around a while, and it’s… it really makes me review my life. I have so much faith in the kids today, so many kids who are artistic, sensitive, and caring. It looks good for the future, it really does.”
Ramon Couzon,
Resident of Goddard Riverside NORC