Legendary musician and activist Noel Paul Stookey of the recognized folk trio Peter, Paul, & Mary, and co-founder of the national non-profit Music to Life, has been named New York University’s inaugural Arts & Impact Artist-in-Residence for Fall 2025. From October 27-29, the residency will highlight the ways that music can drive positive change in communities.
In his sixty-year career, Stookey’s background in both the music industry and social activism forms the foundation of his work with Music to Life, giving NYU students the chance to engage in the same creative and socially conscious environment that Music to Life fosters across the country—one where artists are encouraged to merge their artistry with meaningful social impact.
Stookey and his daughter, Liz Stookey Sunde, co-founded the national nonprofit Music to Life in 2018 to equip musicians with the training, resources, and mentorship needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. Through empowering artists as social entrepreneurs and fostering paths to financial sustainability, Music to Life brings musical activism into a new era—one that celebrates artistic ingenuity and welcomes innovative ideas across diverse genres and communities.
“Partnering with NYU through my father’s residency shines a light on Music to Life’s work with next generation artists. Dad will be connecting student creatives with learning opportunities from his legacy in musical activism. Plus, Music to Life will bring a few artists from our network to engage with NYU students and explore how music can transform both audiences and communities.”
Liz Stookey Sunde
Public Events include Words & Music with Noel Paul Stookey on October 27, 7:30 PM at the Eisner & Lubin Auditorium, Kimmel Center, and History Rhymes on October 29, 7:30 PM, at the Frederick Loewe Theatre.
To learn more, click here.
→ Continue reading at NYS Music
