Violin case in hand, I got off the 6 train at the Third Avenue–138th Street Station, and I walked down the familiar street that I’ve travelled since I was nine years old. The sounds of the city are always there; cars honking, people chatting on the corners, and music playing from nearby bodegas. But through it all, I walk towards a special place, one that feels like my second home: Upbeat NYC.
For many kids, after school programs typically consist of sports and clubs. For me, as well as other musicians, it means orchestra rehearsal, a time when we play music and build community.
As I step through the doors of Upbeat, the stress of my day melts away. The sound of bows furiously rubbing against violin strings fills my ears, the smell of rosin fills my nose, and I’m surrounded by smiles.
To me, Upbeat is more than just a random music school in the South Bronx. It is where I’ve met incredible people, formed friendships that will last a lifetime, and collected memories I’ll always carry with me. It is the place where I first found my voice, not just musically, but personally. It is where I learned to express myself, to be confident, and to take risks. Upbeat has helped shape who I am today.
What makes Upbeat special isn’t just the music, it’s the community. Since its founding in 2009, Upbeat has served as a symbol of opportunity, creativity, and connection in the South Bronx. Here, students are encouraged to grow beyond their musical abilities; they learn teamwork and how to express themselves.
Liza Austria, Upbeat’s cofounder and director, has a huge passion for the school. What started as a small project by a few musicians with a dream transformed into a thriving school, teaching over 200 students. “We both felt like something was missing, and had strong feelings about there being a lack of opportunity for young people in New York city to participate in the arts.” Austria explained how she and her husband, Richard Miller, noticed that there weren’t many opportunities for youths to participate in music, and the arts would typically be underfunded at schools. This encouraged them to create Upbeat, a place where kids feel inspired and have access to free instruments and instruction they wouldn’t have otherwise.
Austria’s inspiration for Upbeat also came from her family’s connection and respect for music and education. Her father, a Filipino bassist who studied music in America, experienced firsthand the impact that music can have on someone’s life. “My father had become very passionate about el sistema in Venezuela – a system of youth orchestras and choirs, free music education for young people all over the country – and the idea of social action through music,” Austria said.
The South Bronx seemed like the perfect place for this school. Austria’s older brother, Ruben Austria, had already been working in the Bronx for years, at a place called ‘Community Connections for Youth,’ a program that provides alternatives to incarceration for young people. “He had many connections to the south Bronx community; people trying to create more opportunities for young people in neighborhoods that were very under-resourced after decades of neglect,” Austria explained. “Through him, we were able to use space at a storefront church near Cypress Avenue and 136th.”
When Upbeat first opened its doors, it started off as a small group of volunteers made up of Austria’s family and friends, teaching a handful of kids with donated keyboards. As someone who has been coming to Upbeat for years, it’s inspiring to see how much it’s changed. “Now we are 6 days a week, with 16 paid teaching artists and 210 students enrolled this year! We offer multiple levels of string and wind ensembles, as well as orchestra and Afro Latin Jazz bands,” says Austria.
Upbeat is special not because how much it’s grown since it has started, but because of the people. The teachers mentor us with passion for music, and have the patience and encouragement to help us believe in ourselves. Because of their guidance, students at Upbeat have had the opportunity to perform everywhere. From the stage in the church and parks, to places like the Kaufman Center and the Lincoln Center Hospital, Upbeat has made dreams come true, allowing every student to feel like they have accomplished something. “It’s so amazing and magical when everyone comes together in an orchestra, and what might have sounded like beautiful messy chaos is all of a sudden a recognizable piece of music,” Austria said.
Every rehearsal makes me extremely grateful to be part of this community. The people who I sit with, the jokes we crack during lessons , the way we help each other, and the way that we feel comfortable around each other makes coming to class extremely enjoyable. When we finally perform together and show how much we’ve improved, I feel so special and accomplished. The guidance I receive is amazing, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Upbeat places a huge emphasis on leadership; Not only do teachers teach students, sometimes students have the opportunity to help out their peers as well. “It’s also just always an honor and so special to me to watch students grow up over the years – sometimes from when they’re really little into their teens and even becoming young adults,” Austria said. It’s amazing to see the full circle moment; from joining as a little kid, barely knowing how to play the violin, to getting older and teaching the little kids.
The sense of family extends beyond students. “I really loved leasing the parent choir and family choir back before COVID-19. I hope we can start it back up again in the future,” Austria said. The choir is a reminder that Upbeat isn’t just about the kids; it’s also about the parents, and the love and support that they provide for their children and their children’s passions. Everywhere you look at Upbeat, there’s always a story unfolding, talent being discovered, a teacher helping a student understand a piece, or a parent seeing their kid walk on stage for the first time.
When I leave rehearsal and step back onto the city streets, the sounds stay the same; the cars continue to honk, the bodega is still playing music, and people are still chatting. But somehow, everything feels different. I’m carrying the comfort of my day, and the love of the people with whom I spent my afternoon.
Walking back to the Number 6 train, I reflect on how much this place has shaped me. I’ve grown up coming to the same music school on the same street, and I am forever grateful for that. Thanks to Upbeat, I’ve found my confidence, and furthered my love for violin. I’ve learned that music is more than just a sound; it’s something that connects and unites us. Upbeat has given me more than a high quality education; it’s given me a home, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
To me, Upbeat is more than just a random music school in the South Bronx. It is where I’ve met incredible people, formed friendships that will last a lifetime, and collected memories I’ll always carry with me. It is the place where I first found my voice, not just musically, but personally. It is where I learned to express myself, to be confident, and to take risks. Upbeat has helped shape who I am today.