Musical Empowerment Welcomes Lorie C. Barnes as New Executive Director

[CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Sept. 2, 2026] — Musical Empowerment — a national nonprofit organization that provides free, one-on-one music lessons and mentorship to underserved children — announced today that Lorie Canady Barnes has joined as Executive Director. Barnes is a longtime educator, nonprofit leader, and North Carolina native, bringing more than 40 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement.

Musical Empowerment’s mission is to foster growth and connection through meaningful music education and mentorship, pairing student learners with university student mentors in relationships that support lasting impact. The organization is rooted in the belief that music and mentorship can nurture learning, development, and well-being.

“Lorie brings a unique combination of leadership, experience, and a deep commitment to children and communities,” said Sinclair Palmer, Program Director of Musical Empowerment. “Every year, our mentors give more than 5,000 hours of music lessons to children who might not otherwise have access to them. Lorie’s leadership will help us build on that impact and reach even more young people in the years ahead.”

Barnes joins Musical Empowerment most recently from Meredith College, where she taught in the Child Development Program. She previously spent 12 years as Executive Director of NCAEYC, leading North Carolina’s state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children connecting a broad network of staff, volunteers, and community partners in support of children, families, and educators. Her career also spans leadership and faculty roles at institutions including Marbles Kids Museum and Wake Technical Community College, along with teaching inclusive music and movement classes for young children with and without special needs in her community. She holds a Master of Education in Early Intervention and Family Support from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“I am deeply honored to serve alongside the exceptional leaders, mentors, students, families, and supporters who make Musical Empowerment such a remarkable organization,” said Barnes. “What inspires me most is the strength of this community through its shared belief in the intrinsic power of music to transform lives and shared commitment to nurturing learning and well-being through music and meaningful mentorship. What an exciting time to be a part of this incredible organization as we prepare to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2027. With this longevity come so many compelling stories of the long-term impact in the lives of hundreds of individuals that have been a part of Musical Empowerment, and I am delighted to get to help lead into the next chapter.  Investing in young children is investing in our future and Musical Empowerment’s team is ready to lead the way as we build on our strong foundation, elevate our unique model, and expand our reach so even more children, families, and mentors will benefit from the impact of this organization’s mission.”

Musical Empowerment’s Board of Directors is actively engaged and committed to supporting the organization’s continued growth and impact. “It is incredibly meaningful to me to serve on the Board after first experiencing Musical Empowerment as a mentor during my time at UNC-Chapel Hill,” said Lynne Chen, Board Member. “I’ve seen firsthand how relationships between students and mentors can grow into lasting connections and impact. My fellow Board members and I are deeply proud of Musical Empowerment’s history and the leaders who have helped shape it, and we are excited to support the organization as it reaches even more students, families, and mentors in the years ahead.”

To learn more about how Musical Empowerment is working to create equitable access to musical education, visit: https://musical-empowerment.org/  

About Musical Empowerment
Musical Empowerment is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, one-on-one music lessons and mentorship to underserved children through partnerships with university student volunteers. Since its founding in 2002 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the program has expanded to include eight active chapters across North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York and California. Musical Empowerment seeks to foster access, equity and joy through music.