“Music has the power to change lives, and that’s what we’re trying to do—one note at a time.”

– Barry Adelman

Barry Adelman was born in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. His journey with music began when he started guitar lessons at 12, though he shifted his focus to sports within six months, becoming a key player on the New Utrecht High School basketball team and later on Brooklyn College’s freshman team. After high school, he sought a lifelong pursuit and chose music, taking up the flute. Following his graduation from the University of Michigan, he expanded his musical studies to include classical and flamenco guitar while continuing with the flute, eventually moving into songwriting. He generously offered his original compositions to Music for Humanity, an organization he co-founded in 2005, and was recognized by the Orange County NY Arts Council with the Champion of the Arts Award in 2014. After a 50-year career as a retailer and marketing consultant, Barry retired. Now, as Co-Founder and Executive Director, he dedicates his time fully to Music for Humanity, working alongside others to “pay it forward” for future generations of musicians. He lives in Walker Valley, NY.

In this interview, Barry Adelman shares how his lifelong connection with music has shaped his perspective on its potential to create meaningful change, both for individuals and the broader community.

Barry, can you share what initially drew you to music and how your early experiences influenced your path?

When I was twelve years old, I don’t know why, but I wanted to study music. I took guitar lessons for about six months but ended them in favor of playing basketball. About seven years later, after my “basketball career” with my high school and freshman college teams ended, I made a conscious decision to study music. I wanted to put the energy I had given to sports into something I could do for the rest of my life. The answer was simple: Music.

At the time, I had no connection with my voice, so I picked the flute to study. During the years 1967-1969, two extraordinary events took place which planted the seeds for Music for Humanity over thirty-five years later.

In 1967, I attended a classical concert with some fraternity brothers at Brooklyn College. We went to Carnegie Hall and sat in the last row of the balcony. I had very little knowledge about classical music, but we were there to hear Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and it was more than any of us expected. When it ended, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone was simply infused and glowing from the music. It was truly a magical musical moment.

In August of 1969, I found myself sitting in a field in Bethel, New York with 400,000 others for the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair. Again, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone was glowing from the music. It was different music, but the effect was very similar.

After learning to play flute for a few years, I decided to study the classical and flamenco guitar. During that time, lyrics and songs started to appear as if by magic, and I started to sing. Some of the songs were very spiritual in nature. Eventually and unexpectedly, in 2005, while on an Alaskan cruise ship, I heard the voice of God whisper “Music for Humanity.” It was like the voice in the movie Field of Dreams, and that whisper changed the direction of my life. I knew I had to act on those words.

How has MusicForHumanity.org evolved since its founding, and what are some milestones that stand out to you?

In 2005, after hearing the “voice of God” whisper “Music for Humanity,” I checked out the internet and discovered someone had reserved the domain name, but there was no website. After a little more research, I contacted Kurt Irmiter, who had reserved the domain name. We discovered via telephone (he lived in North Carolina) we were kindred spirits. Although we didn’t know exactly what we wanted to do, we started in 2005 with the naïve belief that we could do something for humanity via music. We became the Co-Founders of Music for Humanity.

Without Kurt’s help at the beginning, especially to create our initial website, Music for Humanity would have never grown. In 2007, we gave our first scholarship for $1000. Now, in 2024, although Kurt is no longer active in the organization, we just gave another $20,000 to six outstanding young aspiring musicians out of thirty-six applicants to bring our Grand Total to 72 scholarships for $187,000.

Along the way, there were many outstanding moments. In August 2012, I drove out to Amagansett, NY, where I owned Outdoors, a retail clothing/footwear/beach store (since 1997), to deliver the first “Grand Scholarship Award,” a $2500 check made out to the Manhattan School of Music to help Maxfield Panish of East Hampton continue his education.

In 2014, the Orange County Arts Council gave me and Music for Humanity the “Champion of the Arts Award” for our support of arts in the County. Part of the activities that led to the award was the “Music for Humanity Free Performance Night,” which we began in 2009. We created a listening room series and invited 2-3 outstanding local/regional artists to share their music on the third Saturday of each month at Noble Coffee Roasters in Campbell Hall, NY. This series continues as a monthly event.

In June 2018, I attended as Shavon Lloyd, our 2017 Grand Scholarship Recipient, was honored in Washington D.C. as the winner of the 18th Street Singers National Choral Competition for his work entitled “So Breaks the Sun.” The composition also helped him win our Grand Scholarship.

You’ve been involved in both music and business. How have these experiences intertwined to shape your approach to leading MusicForHumanity.org?

Both profit and non-profit organizations must raise money. Although a not-for-profit organization can make the request for tax-deductible donations, my experience is we need to raise more than just donations. Eleven years ago, I came up with an idea to have an annual raffle. We modified it slightly, but it has turned into one of the major sources of revenue for MFH.

Marketing is the key to success for both not-for-profits and for-profit companies. I was able to use the marketing skills I learned while running my regular business to help MusicForHumanity.org grow. We use email programs and direct mail to stay in contact with our subscribers and supporters.

What role do you believe music plays in fostering community and promoting unity among diverse groups of people?

There is nothing more unifying in today’s world than music. No matter where we come from, no matter the color of our skin, no matter our economic situation, no matter our politics, no matter our religious or ethnic background, we all have one thing in common: the first sound we ever heard/felt was the heartbeat of our mother. That beat is something that connects us all.

There is nothing like a live music performance for people to see other people, who may look different, enjoying the same music they are enjoying. Whether it’s Beethoven’s 9th Symphony or a rock concert, the shared experience becomes a magical experience.

And the smaller, intimate venues with only 50 or so people can magically open people’s hearts and souls. I’ve seen it happen many times. Music really does build the invisible roads and bridges that connect our hearts and souls.

Can you discuss any specific initiatives or programs within MusicForHumanity.org that you are particularly proud of?

I’m proud of our scholarship program. It is not just about giving money to help young aspiring musicians. It’s about finding the right young aspiring musicians who can become “music ambassadors” to go forth and connect people via their music. In today’s world we need “music ambassadors” to build the invisible roads and bridges that connect our hearts and souls.

There’s been a lot of political talk about rebuilding our infrastructure. Can you imagine how we could rebuild our emotional, spiritual, and mental infrastructure if we supported music education and music in general with a few billion dollars?

I’m also proud that I’ve instituted two suggestions from friends. First, to buy new instruments for local school districts. We’ve done that for four districts to date: Middletown, Beacon, Valley Central, and the Goshen, NY school districts.

Second, to begin the “Music Teacher Appreciation Award,” an annual grant to a teacher in an accredited institution. This is a $1000 grant, and we’ll give our third one this year.

I’m also proud of the “Music for Humanity Free Performance Night,” which is about to begin its fifteenth year in November 2024. It gives outstanding local/regional musicians a chance to share their music with a real listening audience versus playing over the chatter at a bar. And it gives the local people a place to hear outstanding music in their own neighborhood for free. We ask for donations, and any money we raise goes towards the scholarship program.

How do you see music contributing to personal development and well-being, especially for young people?

Music is a fun way to explore math, learn self-discipline, expand social connections, and delve into your own creativity. The recent award-winning documentary “The Last Repair Shop” clearly shows it all, both for youngsters and adults. It highlights the importance of music for youngsters and how people spend their lives learning and sharing music. There’s a true sense of accomplishment and connection in learning an instrument and creating music with others.

Have you encountered any particular challenges in advancing Music for Humanity’s mission? If so, how have you overcome them?

Yes, absolutely. The biggest challenge is finding the time and resources to truly grow Music for Humanity into a more impactful organization. We’re all volunteers, and as much as our hearts are in the right place, time and energy are limited. We’re doing good work, but we could do a lot more with more resources, especially financial support and staff. It takes time and effort to find donors who want to support a cause like ours.

In terms of overcoming these challenges, I’ve learned to take things step by step and to never lose sight of why we’re doing this. We’ve focused on smaller, achievable goals, like our scholarships and local instrument donations. Every small success builds momentum. Also, networking and creating partnerships with like-minded people and organizations have been vital. When you find people who share your passion, they can help lighten the load.

Can you share a memorable success story or moment from your work with Music for Humanity that really highlights the impact of your efforts?

On December 3, 2023, with a grant from Arts Mid-Hudson we presented the “Music Connects Us” concert at City Winery Hudson Valley featuring two outstanding, but relatively unknown musicians, Reggie Harris and Slam Allen. Everyone who attended experienced the power and connection of music, and left the event on a “musical high.” Also in October 2018, Richard Kimball, a Steinway Artist, donated a concert to us. He moved his Steinway Grand piano from his house to the Warwick Reformed Church and accompanied by Rick Savage on trumpet and flugelhorn, presented a benefit concert for Music for Humanity. It was attended by many and was a magical afternoon of music.

How do you envision the future of Music for Humanity? What are your long-term goals for the organization?

The future of Music for Humanity is bright, but it depends on expanding our base of support. Right now, we are laying the groundwork for greater outreach and impact. My dream is to grow our scholarship program so we can give out significantly larger scholarships and offer even more opportunities to young musicians. I’d love for us to fund not just one or two but dozens of scholarships every year.

I also envision Music for Humanity becoming a national, or even international, organization. We’ve made small steps, but with the right support and partnerships, I believe we can grow and reach a much larger audience. I’d love to have Music for Humanity chapters across the country that engage in local fundraising and music support. Ultimately, we want to inspire more people to give, so that we can continue to build those invisible roads and bridges connecting hearts through music.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who hope to make a positive impact through their art?

My advice is simple: follow your heart and stay true to your passion, but also remember that music is about connection. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you have a gift, and that gift has the power to heal, unite, and inspire others. Use it to do good in the world.

Also, don’t be afraid of the hard work and discipline it takes to master your craft. Learning an instrument, composing, or performing can sometimes be frustrating, but every minute you spend honing your talent will pay off in ways you may not yet understand.

Lastly, find your community—people who share your passion for music. Collaborate, lift each other up, and share your art. Music is never meant to be kept to yourself. The more you give, the more you’ll get back in ways you couldn’t anticipate.

“The ripple effect of kindness and support is something we’re just starting to see, and it’s truly inspiring.”

– Barry Adelman

Links

• Connect with Barry on LinkedIn.
• Visit the MusicforHumanity.org website.

Share Your Insights

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Barry Adelman’s inspiring journey and the power of music to make a difference. Join the conversation by sharing your reflections in the comments:

• How has music impacted your life or your community?
• What role do you think music plays in shaping future generations?
• In what ways can we all “pay it forward” through creative or artistic endeavors?

Let us know your perspective!

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