Music Masters Mentorship Program

East End Arts creates communities and then uses the power of community to unleash the creativity of others. This self-sustaining cycle builds greater communities and develops diverse artists.

Learn from the Masters

The EEA Music Masters Mentorship Program, created in 2011, pairs local students with master musicians in a small group setting. Small group learning allows for one-on-one mentorship while perfecting the art of group performance. Music Masters renders polished and professional musicians who are both college and career ready, focusing on performance and challenging even the most gifted student.

The EEA Music Masters Mentorship Program remains tuition-free thanks to continued sponsorship by Harlan & Olivia Fischer.

About the Program

MUSIC MASTERS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM would not be possible if not for the continued generosity of our sponsors, Harlan and Olivia Fischer. 

The Music Master Program is open to all high school students across Long Island school districts, and is tuition free. Students who are Intermediate to advanced musicians aged 14 – 18, will work alongside other exceptional music students perfecting their skills all while learning from a true professional in the music industry. All instruments and vocalists are welcome.

Through one-on-one learning opportunities with master musicians, the students are given training in rehearsal and performance skills, in addition to recording, marketing, composition, and songwriting. They leave with life-long relationships and friendships, as well as portfolio materials to assist them in future endeavors, including their pursuit of post-graduate education, and it is tuition free.

  • Applications open January 18, 2024, and close February 26, 2024

  • Rehearsals are Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the EEA Campus

  • Rehearsal Dates are February 29, March 7, 14, & 21, 2024 (No rehearsal March 28, & April 4, 2024)

  • April 11, 2024, a special performance at The Suffolk for EEA’s Annual Fundraiser, Art Works Gala (this is a closed event/Gala ticket holders only)

  • The Grand Performance: Wednesday, April 17th at 7:00 pm, at the Jamesport Meeting House (1590 Main Rd, Jamesport, NY 11947)

Purchase Tickets for the Grand Performance by clicking the button below:

Music Masters Mentorship Program

Meet Our Esteemed Mentor for the East End Arts 2024 Music Masters Mentorship Program: Chris Donohue!

We are thrilled to introduce you to the exceptionally talented and dedicated mentor who will be guiding our aspiring young musicians in the East End Arts 2024 Music Masters Mentorship Program. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Christopher Donohue, a true luminary in the world of music education, jazz, and performance.

Christopher Donohue’s journey in music began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Performance from SUNY Purchase College, where he honed his skills as a saxophonist, violinist, vocalist, and pianist. His musical prowess knows no bounds, making him a versatile and inspiring figure in the industry.

For the past 18 years, Mr. Donohue has been an instrumental force in shaping the musical futures of countless students as the Orchestral and Jazz Ensemble director at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School. In his capacity as Chairperson of Performing Arts at SJB for the last 11 years, he has enriched the curriculum with courses in Introduction to Music Theory, AP Music Theory, American Music History, Synthesizer, and Recorded Music, creating a vibrant and diverse music program.

Mr. Donohue’s dedication to music education extends beyond the classroom. He has served as a guest artist and clinician for SCMEA Jazz Day from 2009-2013, imparting his wisdom to young talents. He has also been the saxophone clinician for the Nassau Community College Summer Jazz programs and the Stony Brook Young Artist Summer Jazz Workshops.

In 2018, Mr. Donohue had the honor of conducting the Nassau Division II All-County Jazz Ensemble, showcasing his leadership and expertise in music education.

This past March he was the guest artist and clinician for the Commack School District’s District-wide Jazz night, where he had the honor of working with 8 different ensembles from grades 4-12.

In 2020, he co-founded The Loft School of Jazz in collaboration with Tom Manuel and The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, a college preparatory program focused on Jazz Music, Jazz History, Theory, and Performance. Currently, he serves as both the Assistant Director and an instructor, nurturing the next generation of jazz enthusiasts.

Mr. Donohue is not just an educator; he is an active participant in the music scene. He is a member of esteemed groups like the Jazz Loft Big Band and the Interplay Jazz Orchestra. His contribution to the Interplay Jazz Orchestra’s album “On the Sunny Side” helped it reach number 4 on the Jazz Charts. This past August, he and the Interplay Orchestra just finished recording two new albums set to come out next year. He has also been featured with various ensembles, including Jerry Costanzo and the Gotham City Swingers, Swingtime Jazz Orchestra, The Jazz Loft All-Stars, The Little Big Band, and his own group, The Phoenix Big Band.

Furthermore, for 18 years, Mr. Donohue graced the First Presbyterian Russell Sage Memorial Church of Far Rockaway as the Tenor soloist, showcasing his vocal prowess and versatility.

We are honored to have Chris Donohue as the mentor for the East End Arts 2024 Music Masters Mentorship Program. His passion for music, wealth of experience, and dedication to nurturing young talent will undoubtedly inspire and guide our students on a remarkable musical journey.

Here are the key dates to know:

  • Applications open January 18, 2024, and close February 26, 2024

  • Rehearsals are Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the EEA Campus

  • Rehearsal Dates are February 29, March 7, 14, & 21 (No rehearsal March 28, & April 4, 2024)

  • Special performance April 11, 2024.

  • The Grand Performance: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Jamesport Meeting House, 1590 Main Rd, Jamesport, NY 11947

For more information on how you can be a part of this exciting opportunity please contact Kathleen Ruscick, EEA Eduction director at KRuscick@eastendarts.org.