Next meeting: September 12
Enrich your life with the joy of music!
Welcome to Roc Vets Music!
Please register via the link above.
September 12: We look forward to seeing you next week at the Lower Strong Auditorium on the University of Rochester Campus from 9-11 a.m.! Enjoy the Labor Day break.
"Through regular practice and group performances, our
members experience the joy of music while building
meaningful connections within a supportive network."
— Dr. Roy Ernst, Founder
of Music for Veterans National AssociationWe are a non-profit providing veterans and their immediate family members with instruments, printed music, and instruction in Rochester, NY.
Did you know? Research has confirmed major benefits to learning an instrument later in life. - via AARP
CONTACT US: [email protected]
MVNA was founded by Dr. Roy Ernst, professor emeritus of The Eastman School of Music and founder of New Horizons International Music Association.The local Rochester chapter was founded by Judy Rose. This is the third music program for veterans under the umbrella of the Music for Veterans National Association, Inc. Music for Veterans (Rochester), also known as ROCVETSMUSIC, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) music program serving veterans and their immediate family members in the Greater Rochester Area. Come to learn a musical instrument and perform music together!Talk to us at:
[email protected]
(585) 626- 2726This opportunity is made possible by a generous contribution from Andy Nahas, a Rochester philanthropist and his charity MusicPower.org
More photos coming soon!
We have a limited number of loaner instruments and welcome donations of new or gently used instruments in good working condition.
Instrument drop-off locations:
The Local Sound Collaborative343 East Avenue, Rochester NY
Questions? Contact us: [email protected]
This program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operated by volunteers. We welcome monetary donations as well as instruments, both of which help supply equipment for veterans or family members who cannot supply their own.
BOARD
Currently a student in the doctoral program at Eastman School of Music under the mentorship of Paul O’Dette, Pedro Sperb’s study of historical plucked strings and modern guitar has granted him many years of experience as a performer and educator. Pedro currently holds a position of Secondary Professor at Eastman School of Music and acts as Chapter Leader for the Lute Society of America, where he directs the educational program Lute4Kids. Pedro’s Brazilian origin guides his mission of representing diverse populous demographics in his performances, especially Latin-American Baroque music.
Dr. Alden Snell acts as Wind and Percussion Instructor as well as Program Advisor. Outside of Music for Veterans, he is the Chair of the Department of Music Teaching and Learning of the Eastman School of Music.
Bob has joined the Rochester chapter of Music for Veterans as Donation Coordinator. Stationed in Ft. Lewis Washington, he was a member of the 9th Infantry Division Soldiers Chorus and is passionate about bringing veterans and music together.
Previous executive director and founder of Music for Veterans Rochester chapter, Judy is passionate about bringing the joy of music to her local community. She has a background in education and has been inspired to spread the healing power of music to those in need.
MARCIA BORNHURST PARKES
Wind & Brass Instructor
Marcia brings her experience and success in higher education, community music schools, and beyond to our program as a wind and brass instructor. She will be available exclusively at the Local Sound Collaborative.
Schedule | 2026-27
August 29: Visit us for an orientation Meet & Greet at the Lower Strong Auditorium on the University of Rochester Campus from 9-11 a.m.
September 5: No classes in observation of Labor Day. To participate and receive scheduling updates, please register for Music for Veterans.
September 12: Meet your fellow musicians from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lower Strong Auditorium, where we'll be getting to know one another and signing up for instrument loans if needed.
September 19: Classes begin! Further scheduling and assigned spaces TBA.
If you would prefer to fill out form on paper and mail it in, please print the page linked above and send it to:Roc Vets Music
PO Box 24298
Rochester, NY 14624If you haven't yet decided whether this program is for you, you're welcome to join us at a later date; just bring a printed copy of the registration with you.
Registration Form
Orientation Meet & Greet August 29! Please register for Music for Veterans so that we know how many people to expect. We look forward to meeting you!
If you would prefer to fill out this form on paper and mail it in, please print the page linked above and send it to:Roc Vets Music
PO Box 24298
Rochester, NY 14624If you haven't yet decided whether this program is for you, you're welcome to join us at a later date; just bring a printed copy of the registration with you.
We want to thank all of our supporters for their very important contributions to Music for Veterans Rochester.
We gratefully dedicate this page to:
Andy Nahas, whose generous support made it possible to launch Music for Veterans in Rochester, NY.
Andy is a philanthro-activist and singer who founded Music Power, which supports initiatives that use music as a tool for helping to solve problems in society. "I really wanted to support the rollout of RocVets Music because creating music is ideally suited for improving the psychological well-being for many veterans, including those with trauma. Additionally, the camaraderie of group playing offers a therapeutic benefit by bringing together people who share a past experience that the rest of us might not be able to relate to."
Events
2026
Join Music for Veterans at the Irondequoit Resource and Wellness Expo on August 19 from 9am-12pm!
2021-2025