A key component of Law Rocks’ mission is to promote music education for underserved youth. In 2023, due to our increased sponsorship and fundraising, Law Rocks was able to offer a new grant at each Law Rocks show: The Music Matters grant. This grant, continuing in 2024, is given to a local nonprofit that supports youth music education in each of our U.S. tour cities. Omi Crawford, director of Law Rocks, says of the grant initiative:
“Since our 2009 founding, Law Rocks has supported hundreds of incredible nonprofits, with an emphasis on youth music education organizations. The Music Matters grant is a natural evolution of our mission and a chance to formalize our support of amazing music education nonprofits across the country.”
Today’s spotlight is on Los Angeles grant winner, Harmony Project. Law Rocks is thrilled to be extending the Music Matters grant to the 2024 tour, further increasing our support for youth music education. Harmony Project exemplifies our mission in every way and we are delighted to celebrate the hard work and heart behind this exceptional organization.
Keep reading to learn more in our spotlight interview with Harmony Project Director of Partnerships, Emelie Pfaff; and Director of Communication, Devon Sherwood.
Our first of two Music Matters grant recipients for Los Angeles in 2024: Harmony Project
1) Can you tell us a little about the history of your nonprofit, as well as its mission and focus?
Founded in 2001, Harmony Project started as a small music education program with a vision for a better and more prosperous Los Angeles. A group of forward-looking philanthropists came together to lay the foundation for our organization's work.
Harmony Project believes that every child deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential through the transformative power of music. Through our high-quality music instruction and comprehensive social support, we are breaking down barriers and empowering students to achieve their greatest aspirations. We look to cultivate a future where access to higher education is not limited by circumstances or zip code, but fueled by passion, talent, and the unwavering belief in the limitless possibilities of music.
2) What is the best example of the way you’ve seen your organization’s work make a difference?
Since Harmony Project’s humble beginnings in 2001 with only 36 students in Hollywood, we have now expanded to serving 4,103 students from ages 5-18 across Los Angeles County and Orange County. Our students have shown an incredible success rate in pursuing a higher education as 98% of our high school graduates are accepted into college. Taking it a step further, 90.7% of our students graduate with a bachelor’s degree by age 24, as our program has far surpassed the national average for African-American (22%) and Latinx (16%) students (According to the National Center for Education Statistics).
Image courtesy of Harmony Project
3) What are some upcoming initiatives that you are planning for?
We have our Annual Gala Luncheon on May 19. It is our biggest event of the year where we have inspiring speeches and outstanding performances from our students, plus we recognize our donors who have graciously donated to us throughout the year! Other upcoming initiatives we have are HP Graduation, summer workshops, teaching artist and staff professional development, and summer programming.
4) What is the greatest challenge your organization faces?
One of the greatest challenges that Harmony Project faces is providing adequate support for our students and their families outside of the classroom. We focus on serving under-resourced communities and low-income families who are impacted by system barriers. Many of our students and families face crises and require additional resources beyond music instruction. Our holistic approach, which includes social support through our CARE Team, aims to build trusting relationships and provide non-musical resources to our students and their families. However, due to limited resources and a need for housing, food, transportation, and emotional support services, this continues to be a major challenge that we are constantly working to address. With the continued help of local partners, we are dedicated to providing support in navigating challenging situations that our students and families face. To follow our work within the LA community please visit our website at www.harmony-project.org or follow us on Instagram @HarmonyProjectLA.
5) What does the power of music mean to you?
The power of music is the power of expression. It’s a universal language, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers - conveying stories, emotions, and experiences - that enables individuals to connect with one another on a deeply emotional level. Music has an unparalleled ability to tap into the depths of human emotion, offering an outlet for individuals to express themselves - their thoughts, their joys, their pains, and their aspirations.
6) How will the Music Matters grant be used?
Our programming per student costs $1500 per year. We want to continue to provide free high-quality music instruction as the increased expansion of HP programming continues throughout greater Los Angeles. The grant will be used to support more tuition-free music opportunities.
Learn more about Harmony Project.