City Strings

Transforming Youth through Music

Growing up in various parts of the U.S., Bithyah Israel vividly remembers the opportunity she was given, at the age of 11, to learn to play the cello, and how it changed her life. She founded City Strings to bring the same guidance and feeling of self-worth to Boston’s inner-city youth.

City Strings provides free cello lessons to students ages 6-18 in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood.  “Musical opportunities” including working with esteemed music professors and Grammy-winning musicians, and more, foster social, emotional and educational growth and development.  The focus is on listening, respect, discipline and team work – all necessary life skills.

Having started with 12 children and now working with more than 20, our funds make it possible for City Strings to hire part-time administrative help to help with expansion.