Houston – Music has the ability to connect, inspire, and educate, yet not all children have access to music education. For many underserved children in Houston, this gap is being addressed by the Prelude Music Foundation, a non-profit organization that has been making a significant impact in the community for over a decade.
Founded by Ana Treviño-Godfrey and Jonathan Godfrey, both professional musicians and parents, the Prelude Music Foundation was created to enrich early childhood education by integrating music into daily learning experiences.
Treviño-Godfrey, an immigrant, learned English through singing, and Jonathan’s passion for music began when he was just five years old. He vividly remembers telling his mother that he wanted to play the violin after seeing someone play it in his kindergarten classroom. According to them, music was their gateway to new worlds, and they wanted to offer that same opportunity to every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
At the heart of the Prelude Music Foundation’s work is the belief that all children are musical, and all children have the ability to learn to sing in tune and move rhythmically. They provide an environment where young children—from ages 0 to 6—can explore music through play and experimentation, and they extend their reach to over 2,600 children weekly across 15 schools in Houston.
One of the highlights of the Prelude Music Foundation’s work is its My First Orchestral Concert event, a free, interactive musical experience designed for young children. This concert, which takes place at Miller Outdoor Theatre on April 8 and 9, features sing-along performances from professional musicians. The event is open to families, with schools encouraged to register for field trips, and Prelude Music Foundation covering the cost of busing for students from partner schools. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the music.
To learn more about Prelude Music Foundation and their ongoing programs, visit their social media pages and website.