As winter approaches, many of us look for activities to enjoy while minimizing exposure to freezing cold outdoor conditions. However, a unique, new program may simplify this process by bringing live music right to your building.

The Community Music Residency is a brand new initiative designed to bring classical musicians to larger, residential buildings. The building donates rehearsal space to the musicians (ideally 8 to 10 hours per month). In return, the musicians will put on an exclusive performance for building residents.

The idea is especially great for luxury buildings with community spaces that largely go unused. By simply allowing musicians to rehearse in those spaces, the building generates a live entertainment event completely free of cost.

The exchange is certainly an original way for the community to support artists and for artists to give back to the community. Most luxury buildings offer very little in the way of live entertainment. Live music events provide a more natural opportunity to build community in amenity-rich buildings, as well as a way of connecting with local artists.

The program was started by Carol Blum, a classically trained pianist herself. “I remember how much I appreciated the opportunity to play in front of a live audience,” Blum says. “I also appreciated good, reliable rehearsal space. It occurred to me that the newer residential buildings often have underused event space and connecting musicians with buildings would be a good partnership.”

The program partners with Con Vivo Music in Jersey City and Groupmuse, an NYC-based company specializing in classical music house party-concerts.

The initiative is actively looking for more buildings interested in participating. Residents who would like to see this program in their building should send this article to their community/building manager, who can reach Carol Blum at [email protected].