Our Mission: To enhance people’s lives through participatory music making, regardless of their situation or abilities.

Our Values: We believe that music is a means to achieve personal wellness and develop community. We practice inclusiveness and encourage commitment to shared outcomes. Ability levels vary but we all have the capacity to experience enthusiasm, joy and dedication.

The Coffeehouse Project Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) community music organization dedicated to providing arts education, with a focus on music making in the community, through classes, workshops, presentations and performances. Programming is directed toward people living in New Jersey who, otherwise, might not have outlets for artistic expression. Populations served include children and adults with special emphasis on providing music-making opportunities for seniors and people with additional needs.


Our Team

John Ruán Fitzpatrick (Founder, CEO and Artistic Director) has more than twenty years of experience as an educator, a musician and a support for individuals with special needs. He earned an MA in Community Music at the Irish World Academy in Limerick, Ireland.

Rebecca (Becca) Kaian (COO and Music Leader) can’t remember a time when she wasn’t singing;  most recently, a 14 year stint with her local community choir gave way to singing in a rock band, learning the guitar in earnest and writing songs. Becca is a former social research scientist and current marketing manager who earned her MBA from Rutgers University and has a passion for working with start-up companies/organizations.

Our Board

Sacha Forgoston (President) is a mathematics lecturer at Rutgers University. As a teacher, she is dedicated to helping people learn to master new skills.

Lawrence Barber (Treasurer) is an LPN and administrative assistant who has spent years studying education. He values giving back through volunteering and serves on the board of String of Pearls Animal Shelter.

Weatherly Morgan (Secretary) helps non-profits for a living through website development and online marketing. She is a past-president and served for over ten years on the Board for the Front Royal/Warren County United Way.

You Can Help Us Help Others
Check out our new Board Member Prospectus if you’re interested in being part of The Coffeehouse Project. Share this page with anyone you think might be a good fit. Thank you for your consideration!