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The Pelham Music Festival was founded in 2003 for the purpose of providing more performing opportunities for the students of our community. The hope of the founders being that with performance recognition comes greater motivation to practice and stay involved in music. The Festival has been organized to take place each year in February to brighten the gray Pelham winter!

The Pelham Music Festival Inc is the non-profit organization that organizes and funds the annual Festival. Funding and support is provided by registration fees, ticket sales, local benefactors and of course our sponsors. The Pelham Music Festival Inc is managed by its Board of Directors, Volunteers and Student Advisors who all contribute their time and unique points of view.

The Festival itself is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists, also welcoming both ensemble and solo performances. The Festival also features guest performers, who thrill our audiences with their virtuosity. There are three healthcare performances scheduled this year in January and students are encouraged to participate in any one of these optional events. They are not only a way to give back to the community,  but are a great "warm up" performance so the student has the experience of performing their piece prior to the day of the Pelham Music Festival.

The first Pelham Music Festival took place in February 2004 at the Pelham Country Club, Pelham Memorial High School and Steinway Hall in NYC. It was such a success that it’s founders decided to make it an annual event.

At the request of our Student Advisors, in 2005 the Pelham Music Festival was expanded to provide our students with performance opportunities at a number of local healthcare facilities. This exciting development builds on our central mission while giving back to our community.

In 2006 we further integrated our featured professional musicians into each of our recital sessions and moved the venue of the Finale concert to Carnegie Hall – Weill Recital Hall to accommodate larger audiences. Finale concerts since then have also included Lincoln Center and the new Times Center, giving our students an oppportunity to experience exciting New York City venues.

Each year the Board and Student Advisors reevaluate the Festival and consider improvements keeping the event fresh and engaging.