MVM 2022: A State of the Union
It’s a new year and we thought it was time to share a little bit about the state of My Voice Music (MVM) and how we are adjusting to a world without our beloved founder and friend Ian Mouser.
Although this is a very challenging time for MVM, Ian left the organization both highly stable and poised to realize major initiatives to expand MVM programs to new parts of the city and state. Over the last two years of the pandemic MVM was able to maintain all program staff and funding to realize new projects and shore up organizational stability.
Since Ian’s passing MVM staff and board have experienced an even greater passion to realize his vision for accessible music instruction as a gateway for self discovery. In 2022 we will continue to honor Ian’s never-ending belief in the power of music to transform lives through moments of human connection. We are working hard to bring our programs to youth in under-resourced communities with a state of the art youth music center in East Portland and Satellite programs across the state.
Rather than jumping into an executive search, we decided to take some time to adjust to our new reality, and delay a search until spring 2022. Regional Arts and Culture Council arts consultant, George Thorn, is working with our staff and board to help us navigate this time. In the meantime, we have hired a Transition Project Manager to oversee day to day operations. With her support, we are getting back to business as usual. Classes at MVM Studios and Portland-area Satellite programs are in full swing, and Summer Rock Camp dates will be announced soon. MVM teaching artists are working with youth — in residential facilities and at our current headquarters in the Sunnyside Community Center — to share their stories by writing, recording, and releasing music on their own terms.
We are grateful for all of the many offers of support we've received during this time. Thank you so much for being part of our community. We hope to see you at our annual Jams for Camps benefit on May 20th, 2022.