MAKING MUSIC MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Using art music to inspire every child and young adult to realize their dreams and transform societies.

Empowering Lives Through Music

The Art of Music was founded in 2009 with a mission to promote the performance and appreciation of art music in Kenya and to use its transformative power to change lives, particularly of those living in underprivileged areas of the country. We believe art music, with its traditions of structure, discipline, and excellence, can offer a great awakening and opportunity to a broad spectrum of Kenyan youth.

Through its initiatives, the Art of Music Foundation supports thousands of children across projects in Nairobi and Mombasa and is engaged in social welfare programs to support the wider community of parents, siblings, and family members.

Who We Are

Young girls in a theater, playing violins, sitting among an audience, attentively watching a performance.

Ghetto Classics (GC)

Ghetto Classics is the flagship programme of the Art of Music Foundation. Based in communities within informal settlements, we utilize music education to provide young people with opportunities to improve themselves and their community.

A woman on a small step handing a package to a woman at a doorway while a young girl stands nearby looking on, in front of a makeshift wooden house. A person in the background appears to be taking a photo.

Orchestra For Schools

The Orchestra for Schools Initiative is the outreach programme of the Ghetto Classics Orchestra. Working with after-school partners nationwide, it now serves 290 students in Nairobi, 250 in Mombasa, and 40 at the Ngong Dumpsite, supported by an average pool of 476 instruments across all locations.

A young man playing a double bass in a room with barred windows, music stand, and a table.

Social Welfare Programs

The Art of Music Foundation also supports the wider communities around our students through social welfare programmes that provide medical and emotional wellness camps, food, shelter, mentorship, housing, and counselling.

PROGRAMMES & INITIATIVES

The Art of Music Foundation’s programmes nurture young talent through music, dance, and orchestral training while providing social welfare support for their families and communities. From Ghetto Classics to national youth orchestras, our initiatives create pathways for personal growth, discipline, and opportunity.

Learn more

Upcoming Events

Event poster for a Christmas musical titled 'The King Is Here' presented by The Arklight International School in partnership with Ghetto Classics. The event is scheduled for December 13, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Ridgeways Baptist Church. Ticket prices are KSH 1,500 for adults and KSH 300 for students. All proceeds go to the Njeri Maria Foundation. The poster includes festive decorations such as ornaments, holly, and holiday-themed images.

December 13th

The Arklight International School, in partnership with Ghetto Classics, invites you to a heart-warming evening at The King Is Here – A Christmas Musical, hosted at Ridgeways Baptist Church on 13 December 2025. Enjoy a festive, family-friendly celebration of music and meaning, with all proceeds supporting the Njeri Maria Foundation.

Venue: Ridgeways Baptism Church

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