Our Mission

Rhythms for Recovery (RFR) was created by Emma Leifer, a rising senior at Trinity School in New York City.  Emma has been playing the violin nearly all her life — she began playing the violin at four years old and currently studies at the Manhattan School of Music.  Emma was inspired to create Rhythms for Recovery after spending time as a hospital volunteer.  Emma thought she would like to use music to brighten the days of people in the midst of lengthy hospital stays and difficult battles with serious health conditions.

Emma’s mission is to connect high school musicians with people in medical institutions, rehabilitation facilities, and community centers across New York City.  RFR concerts include performances by singers and musicians.  Many of our musicians take private lessons regularly throughout the year or study in precollege music programs at music schools across the city — such as Juilliard, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Mannes School of Music.

We hold concerts on weekdays in the evenings (after school) or on Sunday afternoons.  At our concerts, our musicians perform classical music and, on occasion, perform popular songs adapted for instrumentalists. We also hold seasonal themed concerts — such as Holiday concerts, Halloween Concerts, or Valentine’s Day Concerts — which are super fun!