Founders’ Page
Where it all began.
Our journey began with a single vision. Learn the story of the dedicated individuals who brought this organization to life.
An Idea is Born
Gemma Wang came up with the concept of The Melody Project—intertwining her passion and experience with piano with social interaction—to engage and give back to her community. She spent the summer of 2024 laying out a detailed plan for a possible initiative and reached out to Karen Young at Sweet Readers, a non-profit organization connecting students with nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s through various activities. Gemma shared her drive to promote intergenerational interaction and her love for creative activities, and Karen asked Gemma to develop a specialized musical program for Sweet Readers. She requested that she begin developing a step-by-step curriculum plan, and find two other musicians who could join her project. Thus, the first seeds of The Melody Project were planted.
The Initiative Grows
In the autumn of 2024, Gemma reached out to her two friends and fellow musicians, Suman Shah and Evelyn Zhang. Recognizing their amazing musical skills and true empathy and drive to do good, she shared the initiative she had begun to build and her new partnership with Sweet Readers, asking them if they would be willing to join the program. They eagerly agreed, and the initiative began to grow further.
