Global Music Initiative

Social change and connection through music.

GMI brings professional masterclasses and Hulili, our AI music coach, together with a real mentor who helps each student find their next step. Built for young musicians in rural and low-income communities.

Apply as a student See how it works

Hulili is in development. Try the preview below.

Why GMI exists

Talent is everywhere. Teachers aren't.

In many small towns, a school has one music director and no private teachers. Lessons are far away, expensive, or both.

GMI's founder grew up in exactly that kind of place. He didn't take a private lesson until college. GMI exists so the next student doesn't have to wait that long.

How it works

Three parts, one path for every student.

Lessons from professionals, a coach that's always there, and a real person in your corner. Read the details

Part 1

Masterclasses

Lessons recorded by professional musicians and shared with GMI students, with the artist's permission and credit.

Seeking first artists
Part 2

Hulili, the AI coach

Students ask questions in their own words and get clear answers drawn from GMI's masterclass library, any time of day.

In development
Part 3

Real mentors

A trained student mentor helps each student find what they need next, like an instrument, a teacher, a summer program or college advice.

Recruiting now
Try Hulili

Find your next step in music.

Tell Hulili where you are and where you want to go. You'll get a starting roadmap, the kind of mentor who could help, and GMI resources.

  • For students at any level, from beginners to college musicians
  • Career paths, auditions, grant writing and more
  • Every roadmap can lead to a real mentor match with GMI

Vanderbilt student? Become a GMI mentor

Hulili is a Hawaiian word for a bridge or ladder across a gully. This preview uses sample answers while the real model is in development.

AI Mentorship & Portfolio Advisor

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Makoa Lewis in a black shirt, holding drumsticks, standing in a sunlit hallway
Founder

Makoa Lewis

A percussionist from rural Hockinson, Washington, who found his way to the world stage, and is building the doors he wishes he'd had.

At 15, Makoa was accepted to the YOLA National Festival and performed alongside the LA Phil and Gustavo Dudamel. Today he's a QuestBridge Scholar at Vanderbilt University studying Human and Organizational Development and Culture, Advocacy, and Leadership, with a minor in Percussion Performance.

1 of 10U.S. students chosen for the Pacific Honors Ensemble
3 yearswith Youth Orchestra Los Angeles
QuestBridgeScholar at Vanderbilt University
See Makoa's full portfolio Get in touch
First field project · Nepal

The Sarangi Documentation Project

With The Initiatives Foundation, GMI is helping document the Gandharva sarangi tradition with the musicians who carry it. Fieldwork is planned for late April to mid-June 2027.

Explore the project
Get involved

There's a part for everyone.

Students

Apply to GMI

For young musicians who want to grow. Financial support is available for students who can demonstrate financial need.

Apply now
Mentors

Become a mentor

Vanderbilt students of any major can guide a young musician toward their next step.

Sign up
Partners

Partner, sponsor or invest

See where GMI stands today and how your support turns into lessons for students.

For partners and investors
Contact

Let's talk.

Questions, ideas, or want to help? Send a message and we'll get back to you.