In a community where music often begins in the classroom but blossoms through private lessons for only some, two juniors from Irvington High School are steadily reshaping what access to arts education looks like.
Gabe Reichgott and Navin Vasudev, friends since sixth grade and now co-founders of the student-run nonprofit Tune-Up Together, have combined entrepreneurial instinct, creative problem-solving, and a deep sense of service to build a program that connects young musicians with the guidance they need to grow, regardless of family income.
Since its launch in 2025, Tune-Up Together has delivered more than 100 free, one-on-one music lessons to elementary and middle school students, all taught by skilled and dedicated high schoolers. The model is simple but powerful: remove barriers to private instruction while creating meaningful leadership opportunities for teens.
Gabe, a trumpet player since fourth grade who later added piano, understands firsthand how inspiration can transform a student’s trajectory. After struggling in his early years, he found motivation through friendly competition and a YouTube channel that pushed him past a plateau and into the confident player he is today.
Navin, a violist drawn to orchestra for its high level of performance, cited having a good mentor as the pivotal factor to whether or not a student sticks with their instrument. Both founders speak about the importance of teachers who challenge students without overwhelming them, who recognize potential and nurture a love for the instrument.
What began as an idea in late 2024 has grown in bursts, fueled by trial, feedback, and relationship-building. Navin and Gabe are not afraid to seek wise counsel, and that has proven to make all the difference.
Their journey to building Tune-Up Together required innovative thinking well beyond their years. Early outreach to former teachers helped establish credibility and recruit students. Partnering with the National Honor Society created a pipeline of volunteer instructors, and when school-based promotion proved difficult, the pair found a workaround.
Today, demand for lessons exceeds the available pool of student teachers, prompting plans to expand into neighboring school districts. Along the way, Gabe and Navin have strengthened internal operations, creating shared lesson logs, training resources, and collaborative communication systems that rival the structure of mature nonprofits.
Their broader goal is not only to improve musical skill, but to cultivate what they describe as an “awesome next generation” of young artists supported by encouragement and opportunity. Their hope is that what they’ve created will continue on long after they’ve graduated.
For families seeking accessible music lessons, Tune-Up Together offers flexible scheduling, a variety of lesson lengths, and the option to have sessions at home. For students and teachers in neighboring districts eager to learn more about partnering with this dynamic dyad, Tune-Up Together is actively seeking new connections.
To get involved or begin lessons, community members are encouraged to reach out to Gabe and Navin directly at tuneuptogether@gmail.com to become part of a growing movement where young leaders use creativity and service to ensure every child has the chance to make music and be heard.
- tuneuptogether@gmail.com
