Grammy-winning artist champions music education for all backgrounds
At just 26, Laufey has made a name for herself in the music world with her genre-blending sound and classical influences. Now, she’s using her platform for something bigger — leveling the playing field in music education. On April 29, the Icelandic-Chinese artist announced the launch of The Laufey Foundation, a new nonprofit dedicated to making youth orchestra programs accessible to children and teens from all walks of life.
Laufey’s announcement marks a turning point in the movement to provide support for young musicians who may not have the financial means to pursue classical training. With her new foundation, she hopes to break down barriers and give more young people a shot at developing their musical talents through orchestral performance.
Honoring Her Roots: From Student to Supporter
Laufey’s journey started in a youth orchestra program, where she first learned to blend classical technique with her jazz-inspired voice. Her talent eventually earned her a Presidential Scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where she honed her skills as a composer, producer, and performer. That early support, she says, shaped her entire career.
“The support and scholarships I received as a child have directly led to the career I have now,” Laufey shared. “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to provide the next generation with the same support and opportunities.”
This deeply personal motivation is the driving force behind the foundation. It’s not just a philanthropic gesture — it’s a reflection of Laufey’s own story and a desire to pay it forward.
Inaugural Grants Target Key Youth Orchestras
To kick off its work, the Laufey Foundation has awarded its first grants to a group of influential youth orchestra organizations:
- Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras
- Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) by LA Phil
- The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra
- Carnegie Hall’s NYO2 and NYO Jazz ensembles
Each of these programs is known for cultivating the next generation of classical and jazz musicians, often providing tuition-free instruction, access to instruments, and mentoring opportunities.
Laufey’s foundation is committed to expanding its reach in the coming years, with plans to offer funding to youth orchestras around the world, ensuring the mission has a truly global impact.
Partnerships with Industry Giants
Laufey isn’t doing this alone. Several music and entertainment powerhouses have joined her mission as founding partners. These include:
- AWAL
- AEG Presents
- Steinway & Sons
Additional benefactor partners such as Warner Chappell, Gibson, and Catbird have also signed on to support the cause. To further contribute, Laufey has pledged to donate a portion of profits from her popular “Mei Mei the Bunny” plushies directly to the foundation.
These collaborations not only bring in much-needed resources but also lend legitimacy and visibility to the foundation’s efforts.
A Growing Legacy of Giving
The Laufey Foundation is just the latest chapter in the singer’s growing legacy of philanthropy. In 2024, she launched the Laufey Scholarship for Graduate Students at Syracuse University’s Bandier Music Business Master’s Program. That initiative will provide $100,000 in financial aid to international students over the next decade.
She’s also been active in disaster relief and local aid, making donations to organizations like World Central Kitchen, Pasadena Humane Society, and the L.A. Regional Food Bank in response to California’s wildfires.
Looking Ahead: A New Generation of Artists
By launching this foundation, Laufey hopes to inspire more young people — especially those from underrepresented communities — to explore classical and jazz music. At a time when arts education faces budget cuts and accessibility challenges, her initiative is both timely and urgent.
Whether through financial assistance, mentorship, or musical exposure, the Laufey Foundation aims to give young musicians the same opportunities that once changed her life. And with her passion and star power behind it, there’s little doubt it will make a lasting impact.
