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Former Gang Members connect through Music
Young Musicians Foundation's Mike Stoller (Hound Dog) Music Heals Program Provides Music Instruction for Homeboy Industries
Created through the vision of legendary songwriter Mike Stoller (writer of many Elvis songs),
the Young Musicians Foundation's (YMF) Music Heals program is a unique,
trauma-informed music immersion program created for participants in
Homeboy's Workforce Development and other programs. The program
integrates instrumental, vocal, and music technology and production.
Emphasis is placed on helping participants connect with their innate
musical abilities through hands-on experience, exploration, and communal
participation
Mr. Stoller's reaction was based on his experience with YMF's Debut Orchestra and the organization's history of elite-level training for aspiring orchestral musicians. In reality, YMF was well along in a significant change process. "We were in finishing stages of
restructuring YMF's program model to exclusively provide access to music
education to those who wouldn't have the opportunity otherwise," said
Zooi. "When I told him about our new direction, Mike invited me to attend the meeting."
The Mike Stoller Music Heals program made its debut after months of planning, and was an immediate success, with the Homies and with Mr. Stoller, who attends every class his schedule allows.
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Classes begin with a drum circle where everyone checks in, sharing feelings, issues they are facing, or hopes for the future. Participants can then choose instruction in guitar, keyboards, drums, voice, songwriting, and music production with a faculty of highly accomplished
professional musicians and educators.
Music Heals percussion instructor Martin Flores remarked that "it amazes me every time to realize that folks who might have been shooting at each other before are now smiling, playing music together."
Find out what's happening in Echo Park-Silver Lakefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Young Musicians Foundation's (YMF) mission is to empower under-served, often marginalized students to find creativity, connection and joy through music. In addition to its
Music Heals program, YMF serves over 4,500 students at 26 under-resourced schools
and sites on a weekly basis throughout the school year. For more
information on the Young Musicians Foundation and their programs visit www.ymf.org.