Spotlight on 2025 ETM-LA Princeterns
Thank you to Princeton University for your continued partnership
Caewood Miller
Program Intern
How has music education impacted you?
Music education has impacted me deeply, beginning all the way back in elementary school. I have always been lucky to have amazing music educators who inspire me to explore my musical curiosities. I began playing the saxophone in sixth grade, and I was thrilled to join our middle school jazz band in seventh grade. Since then, I have been a dedicated jazz musician. As high school progressed, my band director always fueled my curiosity, granted me opportunities to improve my musical skills, and provided me avenues to pursue musical self-expression. This included playing in small ensembles, learning gig skills, picking up instruments such as the flute and piano, and giving me the opportunity to practice and perform with the Northeast Ohio Jazz Orchestra, a local professional jazz ensemble. Besides the strictly musical aspects of my education, I met most of my friends through band, jazz band, and marching band. We were all passionate about music, and my band director and music teachers always provided a safe space for our friendships to flourish. Music has always been an important part of my life, and I hope to incorporate music into my future life and career.
Why did you choose ETM-LA for your internship?
I chose ETM-LA because it perfectly intersects with my personal and professional interests. I am a Sociology major who is driven by a passion for reducing educational inequity. As a QuestBridge Scholar on a full financial need scholarship at Princeton University, I understand how difficult it can be to pursue your academic dreams with limited resources. I was particularly drawn to ETM-LA because of its mission to provide quality music education to all students, regardless of their background. This mission resonated with me, because music education has had a profound impact on my own life and I would love nothing more than to help other students in need experience the wonderful music education I was lucky enough to receive.
What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
I am hoping to gain insight into the education field from a perspective outside of the classroom. I am only a sophomore in college, so I have some time to figure out exactly what I want to do with my life. However, I am passionate about education and I know I will end up somewhere in this field in the future. I have already learned so much in such a short amount of time thanks to the wonderful team at ETM-LA, who have welcomed me with open arms and facilitated an amazing overview of their operations. I have already gained a lot of insight into the day-to-day operations of a music education nonprofit, which was one of my main goals before starting this experience. I have had the wonderful opportunity to participate in ETM-LA’s Winter Academy, an experience that has given me a glimpse into the complicated process of event planning. Finally, I am hoping to learn about ETM-LA’s operations from another perspective in my upcoming school visit.
What has been the most challenging part of your intern experience so far?
The most challenging part of my experience so far has been completely out of the control of ETM-LA. I arrived on Monday, January 6th, right before the devastating wildfires. Although this experience has been horrific for many and my heart goes out to all those affected by the fires, I have been able to see how quickly and adeptly the wonderful team here at ETM-LA has adapted to the situation and remained sensitive to the needs of their community. For example, the Winter Academy was switched from in-person to remote, but the team at ETM-LA managed to still host the event, providing a safe space for all of those affected by the fires. Although this week has been challenging, I have learned how to adapt to uncontrollable situations in a professional and, more importantly, humane way.
Why do you believe in ETM-LA’s mission?
I believe in ETM-LA’s mission because I have seen how much every single person at this organization cares about their work. Before arriving at this internship, I could not have imagined how complicated some of the operations of ETM-LA would be. However, each and every one of the people I have met work above and beyond because they care about the work they do. It would be hard to spend any amount of time at ETM-LA and not feel the strong sense of community in the workplace and the passion for quality music education. I am grateful for this experience, and I will continue to be inspired by the passion of this wonderful team at ETM-LA.
Naomi Felix Monanci
Communications Intern
How has music education impacted you?
Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household and attending underfunded public schools, I didn’t always have access to consistent music education. Despite this, I taught myself to play multiple instruments, and the moments when I did have access to structured music education were incredibly meaningful. Those experiences offered me a sense of joy, relief, and empowerment. Music became a way for me to express myself and navigate the challenges in my life, and it continues to be a source of strength and creativity.
Why did you choose ETM-LA for your internship?
As an engineering major, I’ve spent the past five years working with nonprofit organizations focused on education justice. I chose ETM-LA because it allows me to merge my passion for equity in education with my love for music. Coming from a background where opportunities were often limited, I’ve seen firsthand how essential programs like ETM-LA are in providing access to the arts for students who might not otherwise have it. This internship is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a mission I deeply care about while learning how to amplify the impact of music education.
What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how ETM-LA operates as a nonprofit and how it integrates music education into underserved communities. In my previous nonprofit roles, I focused on creating and facilitating workshops. At ETM-LA, I’m working more on areas like newsletters and internal communications, which is a new and exciting challenge. I’m eager to learn how nonprofits like ETM-LA make a sustainable impact and explore ways to connect music education to broader issues of equity and justice.
What has been the most challenging part of your intern experience so far?
The forest fires in California have been a significant challenge, causing disruptions that shifted some in-person activities to virtual formats. Adapting to this hasn’t been easy, but I’ve embraced the changes and focused on the positives. I remain excited about experiencing all that this internship has to offer.
Why do you believe in ETM-LA’s mission?
As someone who grew up in a community where resources for the arts were limited, I deeply resonate with ETM-LA’s mission to provide quality music education to underserved schools. Music is transformative, as it fosters creativity, emotional expression, and connection. Programs like ETM-LA ensure that students, no matter their background, have the opportunity to experience these benefits. I believe this work is essential in leveling the playing field and empowering young people to discover their potential through music.