What Daniel's Music Foundation does

Daniel's Music Foundation (DMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006 and headquartered in East Harlem, New York City, that provides free, accessible music education to individuals of all ages with developmental and physical disabilities. The organization was inspired by co-founder Daniel Trush and operates from a custom-built, 8,700 square-foot barrier-free music center at 1595 Lexington Avenue, which houses four soundproof music studios, a recording studio/sound booth, and the Snackappella Cafe. DMF's core programming is delivered through three channels: free in-person group classes at the East Harlem music center (semester-based, ages 3 to adult), free online drop-in classes and themed events via Zoom (35+ per week), and an asynchronous On-Demand video library on YouTube. The proprietary 'Teaching from the heART' methodology underpins all instruction as a student-centered, multi-sensory, inclusive pedagogy grounded in expressive arts.

DMF's product portfolio extends beyond direct instruction to include the Just Call Me By My Name record label (14 artists, 75+ original songs actively pitched for synchronization opportunities), the annual Danny Awards global talent showcase (61 winners honored, 7th Annual scheduled October 2026 at Town Hall, NYC), the Corporate Disability Awareness Program (delivered to clients including Microsoft and Bank of America), and the Community Access Network (CAN) — a partner ecosystem of 10+ disability services organizations. The organization maintains a staff of 11-50 employees including specialized teaching artists, an Artistic Director (former professional opera singer Gerry Powers), and Directors of Teaching and Learning.

DMF's business model is donation-driven as a 501(c)(3) (Tax ID: 32-0156199), with primary revenue from individual donations, corporate contributions, and grants. Secondary fee-based revenue streams include private music lessons ($40 for 25 minutes, $75 for 50 minutes) and custom group programs for organizations ($135-$250 per hour). Leadership is family-held by the four Trush co-founders, with no external parent company or institutional investment. The organization is family-operated and mission-driven rather than equity-backed.

Name

Daniel's Music Foundation

Legal name

Daniel's Music Foundation

Website

https://danielsmusic.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Daniel's Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free, accessible music education—in-person, online, and on-demand—for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, supported by donations, grants, and select fee-based programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Music Education Services for Disabilities

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Music Therapy (Educational/Developmental Programs) (EDAMANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAB), Professional Development for Educators (Dyslexia/LD Training) (EDAKAJAK)

Keywords

• Music education programs
• Disability inclusion services
• Nonprofit community programs
• Accessible arts education
• Music therapy services

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 32-0156199), DMF's primary revenue comes from individual donations, corporate donations, and grants. The organization accepts donations by check, PayPal, text-to-donate, and stocks/IRA/will contributions. It also benefits from in-kind donations and sponsorship of events like The Danny Awards.
2. Fee-Based Programs (Private Lessons and Custom Group Programs): DMF offers fee-based programming as a secondary revenue stream: private music lessons ($40 for 25 min / $75 for 50 min) with a free trial available, and custom group programs for organizations (in-person: $200-$250/hr; online: $135-$200/hr for 50 min, $70-$100 for 25 min). These are supplementary to the core free program offering.
3. Event Sponsorship and Danny Awards: Revenue generated through corporate sponsorship of flagship events such as The Danny Awards. Lead Sponsor René Plessner has sponsored since inception. Sponsors such as Accesswave sponsor the after-party. Corporate partners also fund the Disability Awareness Program presentations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Daniel's Music Foundation (DMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free music education, creative expression, and community-building programs to individuals of all abilities, primarily serving people with developmental and physical disabilities. Core offerings include free in-person group classes at its 8,700 sq. ft. barrier-free East Harlem music center, 35+ free weekly online drop-in classes and events via Zoom, and an On-Demand YouTube video library, all delivered through the proprietary 'Teaching from the heART' methodology. The organization supplements its free programming with fee-based private lessons and custom group programs for schools, organizations, and corporations.

Product overview

Daniel's Music Foundation (DMF) operates as a nonprofit music education organization offering a portfolio of programs centered on empowering individuals with disabilities. The core offerings include free in-person music classes at their barrier-free 8,700 sq. foot East Harlem music center and free online programs via DMF Online (35+ weekly drop-in classes). Related products include DMF On-Demand video library, the Just Call Me By My Name record label for disability artists, the annual Danny Awards show, and the CAN Network for disability organizations. Fee-based offerings include custom group programs and private lessons. All programs are tied together through the 'Teaching from the heART' methodology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Just Call Me By My Name: A non-traditional record label that promotes positive, thought-provoking music by artists with disabilities. All artists on the record label are Danny Award winners.

Products and services

• Free In-Person Music Classes Free semester-based group music classes held at DMF's 8,700 sq. ft. barrier-free music center in East Harlem, NYC. Classes run 12-13 weeks (1 day/week), up to 12 students per class, for ages 3 to adult with developmental or physical disabilities.
• DMF Online (Free Online Music Programs) Free 25-minute curriculum-based online drop-in music classes (Creative Movement, Singing, Expressive Rhythms) plus themed 1-hour events (Dance Parties, Open Mics, Sing-Alongs) offered Monday-Friday via Zoom, accessible to individuals, schools, and organizations globally.
• DMF On-Demand Video Library Asynchronous video library on YouTube featuring on-demand content including 'Music & Movement Activities,' 'Dance Break with Juliana,' and 'Talkin' Music with Gerry' series. Globally accessible at no cost.
• Just Call Me By My Name Record Label Non-traditional record label promoting positive, thought-provoking original music from artists with disabilities (all Danny Award winners), actively pitching songs for synchronization opportunities. Catalogue includes 75+ songs from 14 artists.
• Danny Awards Annual global awards show recognizing 10+ extraordinary musicians from the disability community. Winners perform live in NYC, receive honorariums, and gain access to mentorship opportunities and the Business of Music Workshop hosted by The Recording Academy New York Chapter.
• Disability Awareness Program Interactive 30-60 minute presentation sharing personal stories, videos, and music to challenge disability stereotypes, offered free of charge to corporations, organizations, and schools (Pre-K to college), delivered in-person or online.
• Community Access Network (CAN) Partner network of 10+ disability-serving organizations (Epic Players, Gigi's Playhouse, I-ASC, In Tandem, NYSID, Omnium Circus, Ramapo for Children, Reelabilities, YAI, Spoken Heroes) that cross-promote DMF programs and provide their communities access to free music programs, community events, and networking opportunities.
• Custom Group Programs for Organizations Fee-based custom music and movement programs for special education schools, adult day programs, and disability-serving organizations. Pricing: In-person $200-250/hour; Online $135-200/hour or $70-100 for 30 minutes. Up to 12 participants.
• Private Music Lessons One-on-one music instruction for individuals ages 3 to adult, available online or in-person at the music center. Free 25-minute trial lesson; $40 for 25 minutes or $75 for 50 minutes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 16,500+ free in-person music classes delivered since inception
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Epic PlayersminorOthersA neuro-inclusive theatre company and member of DMF's Community Access Network (CAN). CAN members gain access to DMF's free music programs (in-person, online, and on-demand), community events, and cross-promotion tools.
• Gigi's PlayhouseminorOthersDown Syndrome Achievement Centers and member of DMF's Community Access Network (CAN). Provides free ticket access to DMF events and cross-promotion of DMF programs to CAN members.
• I-ASC (International Association for Spelling as Communication)minorOthersFocused on access, agency, and autonomy for individuals with communication disabilities. Member of DMF's Community Access Network, enabling access to DMF's free music programs for its community.
• In TandemminorOthersMember of DMF's Community Access Network (CAN), enabling its community members to access DMF's free music programs, events, and resources.
• NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled)minorOthersOrganization focused on purchasing that powers employment for people with disabilities. CAN member enabling its community to access DMF music programs.
• Omnium CircusminorOthersA bold new circus and member of DMF's Community Access Network (CAN). Members access DMF's free music programs and events.
• Ramapo for ChildrenminorOthersMember of DMF's Community Access Network (CAN), providing its community with access to DMF's free music programs, community events, and networking opportunities.
• ReelabilitiesminorOthersReelabilities is a disability film festival and member of DMF's Community Access Network (CAN). Enables its community to access DMF's free music programs.
• YAIminorOthersYAI: Seeing Beyond Disability — a major disability services organization and member of DMF's Community Access Network (CAN), enabling its community to access DMF music programs and events.
• The Recording Academy New York ChaptercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe New York Chapter of The Recording Academy (GRAMMY organization) hosts the Business of Music Workshop for Danny Awards winners on Saturday, October 17th during the awards weekend. DMF has a GRAMMY Award trophy on display at its music center.
• MicrosoftminorOthersMicrosoft participated in DMF's Corporate Disability Awareness Program. Employees reported a 'totally refreshed outlook on diversity and inclusion' following the presentation.
• Bank of AmericaminorOthersBank of America participated in DMF's Corporate Disability Awareness Program. Team members reported food for thought and genuine interest in continued involvement with Daniel's Music.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• MusiCares (Recording Academy charity): Charitable arm of the Recording Academy providing emergency financial assistance, health programs, and human services to music people in need. Comparable to DMF in operating a music-focused nonprofit with ties to the Recording Academy (DMF has a strategic partnership with the Recording Academy New York Chapter).
• Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute: Carnegie Hall's education and social impact arm, running national music education programs, including work with students with disabilities. Comparable to DMF as a music education provider serving diverse learners, but operates as a broad incumbent within a much larger institution.

Others

• National Music Council: U.S. nonprofit advocacy organization promoting music education and access. Comparable to DMF as a sector-aligned organization, though its mission is advocacy and policy rather than direct service delivery.

Emerging players

• Center for Music Therapy (Berklee): Berklee College of Music's music therapy program, training music therapists and conducting research on music's effects on health and disability. Comparable to DMF in the music therapy/developmental space, though it operates primarily as an academic program within a larger institution.

Direct peers

• Sphinx Organization: National nonprofit focused on diversity in classical music, providing music education, performance opportunities, and artist development for Black and Latinx musicians. Comparable to DMF as a nonprofit that combines music education, artist development, and a sense of community/identity mission.
• Creative Growth Art Center: Oakland-based nonprofit art center that serves adult artists with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities, providing studio space, exhibitions, and representation. Comparable to DMF in serving artists with disabilities, with a focus on creative self-expression and a record label-like representation arm.
• VSA (Very Special Arts / Kennedy Center): VSA is the Kennedy Center's national program providing arts education and performances for people with disabilities. Directly comparable to DMF as a flagship U.S. nonprofit delivering inclusive arts programming, including music, to individuals of all abilities.
• Sing for Hope: Nonprofit that uses the power of the arts to create social good, with signature programs placing artist-made pianos in public spaces and providing free music programming to underserved communities. Comparable to DMF in mission, free-program model, and NYC-based nonprofit status.
• Music & Memory: Nonprofit organization that brings personalized music to people with cognitive and physical disabilities, particularly in care settings. Comparable to DMF in using music as a therapeutic/empowerment tool for people with disabilities and operating a free-or-low-cost program model.
• Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock): National nonprofit providing free, high-quality music education to under-resourced schools, with a methodology-based approach similar to DMF's 'Teaching from the heART.' Comparable as a large-scale free music education nonprofit with curriculum IP and a national distribution model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/DanielsMusicFdn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCp30ob_W2ec2ok8mfitep8A
• Facebookfacebook.com/danielsmusicfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/daniel's-music-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/dmfmusic

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Daniel's Music Foundation