Harmony Project is an award-winning research-based program that targets at-risk youth and promotes positive youth development through on-going year-round music lessons and youth orchestra participation.

At-risk youth whose families earn less than 185% of the federal poverty level are provided instruments and after-school music classes.

A skilled Parent Programs Coordinator provides orientation and ongoing educational programs for parents (at monthly “potluck dinners”), to help parents learn how to better support their kids’ progress, and to improve fundamental family dynamics.

Harmony Project is unique in that we commit to our students for their entire childhood.

Further, our own scholarship program supports our students’ transition to higher education – and requires our students to “give back” by mentoring younger students, assisting teachers as a TA, or by helping out in our offices.

Drop-out rates are greater than 50% for the demographic that makes up most of Harmony Project’s enrollment, yet 100% of Harmony Project students remain enrolled in school, and Harmony Project maintains long waiting lists.  The LA Times estimates the cost of school drop-out to the City of LA as $200,000 per student (minimum).  Harmony Project costs about $1500/year per student, per year.

Program Impact:          
      
- keeps at-risk kids safe, in school, and out of trouble

- improves kids’ school performance, behavior and mood

- develops personal discipline, strategic thinking, time-management, focus, commitment, and task-persistence

- helps kids get along better with others, and at home (through performing in ensembles and youth orchestras)

- helps parents learn to better support their kids and reduces family dysfunction (through ongoing Parent Education Programs)