Two Musical Legends In 2006, legendary writer and producer Vy Higginsen and gospel legend Dr. Emily “Cissy” Houston joined forces to teach aspiring teenagers about the importance of gospel music as an art form.

Gospel for Teens Program is a program of The Mama Foundation for the Arts and Vy’s Higginsen’s School of Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts that has grown to be a highly respected and influential program for youth between the ages of 13 and 19.

Gospel for Teens Choir Under the direction of the Foundation’s seasoned music masters, the Gospel for Teens Choir has performed at various venues across New York City including the world famous Apollo Theater, the American Museum of Natural History, and St. Paul Community Baptist Church.

Gospel for Teens Scholarship Classes Each semester, between 40 and 60 participants are selected through an audition process to learn music history and vocal techniques in classes held at the Foundation’s renovated Harlem brownstone. Students are encouraged to discover their personal artistic talent and expressions while building self-confidence on stage and off.