A man surfing
bed of white flowers

About Us

Every Voice Is a Life Force Waiting to Be Heard

Every Voice Is a Life Force Waiting to Be Heard

Every Voice Is a Life Force Waiting to Be Heard

Group of men standing with Sufboard

Our Mission

We use voice, music, and songwriting to heal, empower, and transform lives.

We bring free programs to underserved youth, veterans, incarcerated individuals, and mothers who need it most — using music, song, and self-expression as tools for healing and lasting change.

01

Every Voice is Welcome Exactly As It Is

We don't teach people to sound perfect. We teach them to sound true. Our programs create brave, judgment-free spaces where self-expression is celebrated — not corrected.

02

Music is Medicine and It's Available to Everyone

Science backs what we've always known: voice, song, and sound heal. We bring this medicine to communities who face the highest barriers — and need it most.

03

Dare to Suck That's How you Grow

Our core philosophy. The willingness to try, fail, and try again isn't weakness — it's the foundation of every breakthrough. We model this in everything we do.

Our Vision

A world where every voice is heard, valued, and free.

We envision a future where music and self-expression are recognized as essential tools for healing, resilience, and human connection — accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.

A man standing with Sufboard

Our Philosophy

Expression Is a Human Right. Not a Talent.

Your Big Voice Foundation strives to create opportunities for people of all ages and economic means to unlock their human potential through positive self-expression. Our emphasis is on marginalized voices — low-income youth and mothers, incarcerated individuals, oppressed minorities, and survivors of trauma. We meet our community partners where they are, providing tailor-made, inclusive opportunities for musical self-discovery and healing from trauma.

We do not ask people to perform. We invite them to express. There is no audition. No right way to sound. No prerequisite other than the courage to show up — which we know, from hard-won experience, is already enough.

Our methodology — built by the Brothers Koren over more than two decades of performing, healing, and coaching — weaves together breathwork, vocal exploration, songwriting, storytelling, and group harmony into something that goes far beyond music. It is, at its core, a practice of becoming more fully yourself.

Team

Our Team

Certified, experienced, and ready to guide you from shore to surf.

Isaac Koren (Co-Founder)

Thorald Koren (Co-Founder)

Sybille Heyms (Board Member)

Nils Koren (Board Member)

Nicole B. Mason (Board Member)

Sunset bathes the landscape in a warm, golden glow.

FAQs

Got Questions?

Everything you need to know before you grab your board and hit the waves.

What is Your Big Voice Foundation?

Who founded YBVF and why?

Are you a registered nonprofit?

Do students or participants need any musical experience?

How long are the programs?

How do I bring a program to my school or community?

How can I volunteer?

How can my organization partner with YBVF?

How do I apply for a Scholarship?

How is my donation used?

Can I sponsor a scholarship?

What is the Embodied Voice Summit?

What is Voice Trauma and how do you heal it?

What is a somatic vocal healing workshop?

Is this therapy?

How is YBVF different from music education or choir?

sun rays coming through trees