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Meet Allyson Cohen

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Meet Allyson Cohen

October 30, 2023
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Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allyson Cohen . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Allyson , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Over a year ago now, I founded Concert Music Outreach Collective; a non-profit organization whose mission is to combat the disparities in classical music access by providing concerts to underserved communities. 
We perform at hospitals, shelters, and prisons to share and teach our love of concert music to members of the community in need. With our concerts, we aim to fight the injustices that are deep rooted in the field of classical music; we promote and feature the works of historically excluded composers on all of our concerts, and we increase access to live music performances for marginalized communities who would not otherwise get to experience this. Music gives hope and comfort to those in need and is a powerful mechanism for communication.

This is why we at CMOC believe that concert music should be accessible to all; we inform our audiences about the music we program, and perform without the formalities attached to the concert hall. One of the most rewarding parts of the process is engaging with the audience. Every artist is encouraged to share a story that ignited their passion and explains why they create music as they do. This practice not only offers audiences new perspectives but also infused a deeper sense of authenticity into the emotionally charged music we perform. And through our concerts, we have been able to cultivate lasting relationships with members of our audience.
The concerts are an environment where all ideas and feelings are fostered and respected and we empower our audience members by encouraging their direct participation in responding to the music, we lift their voices as well as the voices of the composers whose music we have the privilege to perform.
The organization itself was born out of my own frustration with the current state of music culture. I have always been incredibly passionate about this art form. For as long as I can remember, my entire being has been filled with an intense drive to become the best violinist I can be. I want to play the music I love so much and share it with others. It’s no secret that this field has its injustices, and it has become

increasingly important to me to be a part of this slow change. It’s simply unfair that this art form isn’t accessible to those who can’t afford a ticket, lack transportation, or feel unwelcome in an environment with a set of unwritten rules that everyone seems to understand. Music is music, and everyone should be able to experience it, regardless of their circumstances.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started violin at 8 years old, much older than most young violinists. I desperately wanted to play so I could join the string ensemble at my school. After hearing professional musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra and getting a taste of what this instrument has to offer, I decided at the age of 12 that I wanted nothing other than to be a professional violinist. I was always a headstrong kid, I decided to be vegetarian when I was 6 and haven’t looked back. I don’t really know how to exist in any other way than with this level of intensity. Once I decided that I wanted to be a professional violinist, I knew the work that was ahead; I saw the level of other young musicians and knew that I paled in comparison. Much to the dismay of my family, I begged to leave the lovely school I attended and be homeschooled so that I could practice as much as possible. This decision truly allowed me to pursue my passion at another level and is the reason I was able to pursue degrees in violin performance.
Through my time in undergrad, I realized fully the difficulties in becoming a professional violinist. Until then, I blindly believed that if I put in the work it would eventually pan out and I would get my big break. I thought if I just pushed myself as hard as possible for a little while, I would get my dream job and then I could be happy. But reality check, it is not really like this. You have to do the right kind of work, know the right people, and have some pretty good luck. And then, once you get your dream job, it might change your life but if certainly won’t suddenly make you happy.
And through this realization, I came to the conclusion that what brings me the most fulfillment is getting to share great music with those who may never have heard it before. It is getting to directly connect with audiences and have a meaningful dialogue that truly brings me joy. And in founding Concert Music Outreach Collective (CMOC), this is exactly what I get to do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to allow everyone access to high level, live classical music performances, as well as to create community and dialogue surrounding this music. For me, my love of this music has kept me afloat during challenging personal times, and it is this music that gives me life and hope. I want everyone to have the opportunity to discover their passion, and have access to this emotional outlet. I have seen the response to our work so far, and it has been nothing but positive. At the homeless shelter we perform at monthly, I had a woman come up to me and say that this music gave her a will to live again. I had a young man at the juvenile prison we perform at tell me that it had been years since someone asked him his opinion on something. These are just a few examples of how we are aiming to change lives in the community, and my mission is simply to share my passion and create lasting connections.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Making art an integral part of the system, both in schools and in the professional world would change the culture and view of the arts. Arts are not merely an extra curricular, but should be a core component to life that should be easily accessible. Attending events, sharing posts, volunteering, and donating when possible are all incredibly helpful ways to be involved. Supporting and attending premieres of new compositions, plays, and shows is particularly meaningful. We need to be supporting contemporary art of all forms.

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