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 2025, 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 our 2025 Law Rocks Los Angeles Night One Music Matters grant recipient, Amplify Arts Project. The mission of Amplify’s Sleepaway Camp is to empower girls through music education, the creative arts, positive mentorship and community. Keep reading to learn more in our spotlight interview with Jen Baron, Executive Director of Amplify Arts Project.
One of three 2025 Los Angeles Music Matters Grant Recipients: Amplify Arts Project | Photo courtesy of Amplify Arts Project
1) Can you tell us a little about the history of your nonprofit, as well as its mission and focus?
Amplify was founded over 15 years ago with the mission of empowering girls and gender-expansive youth through music, creative arts, and leadership development. What started as a small program has grown into a transformative space where thousands of young artists have discovered their voices, built confidence, and formed lifelong connections. Our focus is on fostering creativity, leadership, and self-expression in a supportive and inclusive environment.
2) What is the best example of the way you’ve seen your organization’s work make a difference?
One of the most powerful examples is seeing campers who started as shy, unsure musicians grow into confident leaders. We’ve had participants who came to camp never having played an instrument before and, by the end, not only performed original songs but also returned as mentors to inspire the next generation. The transformation in their confidence, creativity, and leadership is a testament to the impact of our work.
Photo courtesy of Amplify Arts Project
3) What are some upcoming initiatives that you are planning for?
We’re focused on expanding access to our programs through increased scholarship opportunities for under-resourced youth. This summer, we’re enhancing our sleepaway camp experience by integrating more hands-on music production and recording opportunities. We’re also exploring year-round mentorship programs to provide ongoing support for young artists beyond camp. Additionally, we’re looking at community partnerships to bring more live performance opportunities to our participants.
4) What is the greatest challenge your organization faces?
Our biggest challenge is financial sustainability. As a nonprofit, we rely on grants, donations, and tuition to keep our programs accessible, but rising costs and economic shifts make it difficult to maintain and expand our offerings. Ensuring that every young artist—regardless of financial background—has the opportunity to participate in our programs remains a constant challenge, but one we are committed to overcoming through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives.
Photo courtesy of Amplify Arts Project
5) What does the power of music mean to you?
The power of music lies in its ability to connect, heal, and empower. It gives people a voice when words aren’t enough, builds confidence, and creates a sense of belonging. For our youth, music is more than just a skill—it’s a tool for self-expression, emotional release, and personal growth. It has the power to transform lives, and that’s why we’re so passionate about making it accessible to all.
6) How will the Music Matters grant be used?
The Music Matters grant will help subsidize the cost of participation for under-resourced students in our sleepaway camp. Given that tuition for one student is $4,700, the $2,000 grant will allow us to offer partial scholarships to help make camp more accessible. These funds will directly support students in forming bands, writing and recording original songs, and gaining hands-on experience in music production—providing them with a transformative, immersive music education experience they might not otherwise have access to.
Learn more about Amplify Sleepaway Camp.
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