About Circle of Fifths
Circle of Fifths is an inclusive, accessible music institute where the standard is excellence, and the path to it is as individualized as the artists we serve. Designed for both disabled and non-disabled musicians ages 18 and older, Circle of Fifths offers high-level instruction, collaborative performance opportunities, and a vibrant artistic community that values every form of expression.
This is not just a program — it’s a lifeline. For many disabled musicians, there have been few real opportunities to make music that wasn’t performative or tokenizing. Circle of Fifths offers something different: a space to grow, to belong, and to be taken seriously as an artist. At CoF, brilliance is measured by creativity, not conformity. We are redefining what excellence looks like and how it is expressed, creating space for musicians to develop their artistry in ways that honor their strengths, identities, and communication styles.
Redefining Excellence. Reimagining Access.
Our Mission
To provide high-quality, accessible music education and performance opportunities for musicians of all abilities. We cultivate a space where disabled and non-disabled artists can learn, create, and grow together, advancing equity in the arts through collaboration, expression, and community.
Our Vision
We envision a future in which access to the arts is a given, not an exception. A future where disabled musicians are not just included, but central to shaping what music is and how it’s made. Through intentional design and a commitment to creative freedom, Circle of Fifths is transforming music education into something that belongs to everyone.
Our Values
Every musician has a place in the ensemble. We foster an environment where people feel truly seen and valued.
Belonging
We champion individualized expression and creative risk-taking. Excellence can look, and sound, many different ways.
Excellence Without Conformity
Our ensembles thrive on mutual respect and shared purpose. Music is created together.
Collaboration Over Competition
Equity in Action
We remove systemic barriers and ensure our programs reflect the diversity of our community.
Creative Liberation
We honor the full spectrum of how people move, think, sense, and communicate.
Why it matters
Far too many disabled youth and young adults graduate into isolation, cut off from creative outlets, meaningful relationships, and professional opportunities. Circle of Fifths changes that.
Our institute offers not only a place to learn and perform, but a place to belong. Through community partnerships, philanthropic support, and a belief that talent should never be gated by income, we strive to ensure that financial circumstances are never a barrier to participation.
Every musician deserves the tools, mentorship, and environment needed to thrive. With each class, concert, and collaboration, we are reshaping what inclusion in the arts looks like — not just for today’s students, but for the future of music itself.
