M.S. Lindsay Arts Leadership Program
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Marianne Williamson
At the heart of From the Top’s mission is the belief that young people can make an important contribution to the world by sharing who they are and what they love to do. This idea is passed on to young musicians through From the Top's Arts Leadership program, which is dedicated to the memory of Margaret Stewart Lindsay.
Margaret Stewart Lindsay has inspired many by overcoming her personal challenges and for her generous compassion. She turned her life experience into a desire to help others. She had a passion for the arts, and she believed in educational opportunity for all. Margaret passed away at the age of 62, but her legacy lives on through the Margaret Stewart Lindsay Arts Leadership Program, which promotes her values and her spirit by providing training and support to young musicians who want to follow her lead.
Expanding Field
From the Top is part of an expanding field in which the nation’s great music schools are embracing the role of the artist as citizen, activist, and entrepreneur. We believe that leadership training and community engagement are central to young musicians’ development and must be nurtured and supported along with their artistic and technical development.
Since 2004, From the Top has introduced approximately 500 performers to a broad view of a musician’s role in society, and in the next decade will encourage thousands more to fulfill their potential as well-rounded 21st century musicians.
Workshops & Training
Arts Leadership workshops give performers the skills and resources to share their music and stories with a variety of audiences in their own unique voices. They become more powerful communicators, arts advocates, and role models for younger children.
Alumni leadership projects range from advocating for the arts in the schools; to providing free lessons; to raising money for social initiatives; and connecting with audiences in a way that makes classical music accessible.
Examples & Opportunities
Iowa Makes Music Peer Leadership Program
- Explore the in-depth leadership training we did as part of our Iowa Makes Music residency.
Resources
Get Involved! The Young Musician’s Toolkit is filled with resources and materials to help performers plan their own community projects, a message board to exchange ideas and an archive of leadership stories to get inspired.
Mentoring
One-on-one staff mentoring for any performer interested in developing a project in his/her community
Access to FTT education materials and resources
Opportunities to promote and share their activities on our blog, website and in our education materials
One-on-one mentoring for all of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artists recipients on developing an individual arts leadership project
Opportunities for Alumni
We’re always looking for alumni to help with our education and community programs on the road, and at home in Boston. Let us know if you’re interested! Contact Johana Macdonald, Education Program Manager at jmacdonald@fromthetop.org
We currently have programs in: Boston, Newark, Iowa, and across the country.
Leadership Stories
From the Top musicians are making a difference in communities across the country, and all over the world! Check out these inspiring stories…
Griffin Gaffney – Classical Chaps
Patrick McGuire – Arusha Arts Initiative
Caeli Smith – Benefit concert for local music program
2009 Davidson Fellowship Recipients
More stories coming soon!