Laufey Launches A Foundation For Young Musicians

Laufey, the Grammy-winning composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, is turning her attention to the next generation of artists. The renowned musician is now launching a foundation.

On Tuesday (April 29), Laufey announced the opening of The Laufey Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Moreover, the aim of the foundation will be to expand access to music education, with a particular focus on youth orchestra programs. The foundation’s mission is deeply personal: Laufey began her own musical journey in such ensembles before earning a Presidential Scholarship. Thus, the scholarship helped her to attend Berklee College of Music, and she is ready to give back.

“The support and scholarships I received as a child have directly led to the career I have now,” Laufey said in a statement. “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to provide the next generation with the same support and opportunities. I can’t wait to connect with the young musician community!”

The foundation’s inaugural slate of grants will support a range of respected youth programs, including the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras. Also, LA Phil’s acclaimed YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) initiative, The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and two of Carnegie Hall’s national youth ensembles. Looking ahead, the foundation aims to expand its grant-making to orchestras around the globe.

Laufey and Philanthropic Work

This initiative marks the latest in a series of philanthropic efforts from the Icelandic-Chinese artist. Notably, also in 2023, she established the Laufey Scholarship for Graduate Students at Syracuse University’s

Bandier Program in Music Business, which will distribute $100,000 in aid to international students over the next decade. Earlier this year, she also made charitable contributions to local L.A. organizations. Among the list, one can find the Pasadena Humane Society, Altadena Girls, and the L.A. Regional Food Bank in response to devastating wildfires.

In a cultural moment where classical music is often siloed from popular consciousness, Laufey continues to dismantle boundaries, not just through her genre-defying sound but by actively creating pathways for others to follow. With her foundation, she’s ensuring that the next wave of young musicians has the tools — and the access — to shape the future of music.