We are extremely proud to share stories of the impact made possible by Music & Youth. Please click on any of the stories below to read about the life-changing experiences of these youth. Or download a PDF of our Impact Stories Book:
Please also visit the Music & Youth Bandcamp page to listen to amazing original music, albums, and recordings by the Music Clubhouse youth.
Teen Improves Grades and Self-Confidence Through Music
Jaclyn is 13-years-old and comes to the Boys & Girls Club each day after school. Her parents work odd hours, so Jaclyn is often…Teen Uses Music to Relieve Depression
Imagine being a young teen with the cards stacked against you… You’re bullied for being small; your grades are slipping at school because you…Music Brings Stability, Success to Teen
17-year-old Music Clubhouse member, Eddie, desperately needed some stability. In one year, he had moved over a dozen times all over the country before…Rhythm, Rhyme, and… Writing
Evan is a joyful, active member of his Music Clubhouse. He has always been eager to record music and try new things. “Recording songs…Janie’s Story
It’s not hard to understand why 13-year-old, Janie, struggles with managing her anger. Her dad has been in prison for several years, and all Janie wants is…Danny’s Story: Mobile Studio Opens Up a Whole New World
Danny is a teen who desperately needed something more. Every day, he would hang out in the local youth center after school, but he…Teen “Meant to Be” in Recording Studio
On Alora’s first day in the Music Clubhouse— where she signed up for a Voice & Songwriting workshop— she was too afraid to sing…Teen in Foster Care Finds Stability and Confidence Through Music
When 13-year-old Camila was moved through the foster care system, one thing she always took with her was her small toy keyboard. Camila loved…Turning Pain Into Inspiration
13-year-old Yannis is wise beyond his years. Maybe it’s because he has experienced things that most kids don’t have to deal with at such…Teen Lets Her Guard Down, Puts Trust in Mentors
Things weren’t going well for Carla. She was a teen who was often out at night, walking around town, and getting in to trouble.…“Groovey” Camp for Youth in Foster Care
With the help of a compassionate music mentor and the Music Impact Network, underserved youth have transformative musical experience When professional bass player, Geena…Earthquake Survivor’s Shining Moments
Samuel came up with the hook for his original song while working at his restaurant job. Since he couldn’t write it down while at…Teen Has What It Takes… and Pays It Forward
What do you get when you combine a passion for volunteering, musical talent, good character, hard work and professionalism? You get a full scholarship…Music+Dedication=Results
Teen participants, Jason and Trey, attend different Music Clubhouses. But they have a lot in common. Both are talented musicians. Both attend their Clubhouses…Finding Common Ground
This is the story of eight youth, boys and girls ages 12-13, who came together to do a studio project. When they first entered…Access and Opportunity for Two Brothers
Brothers Zach and Ivan have always had incredible musical potential. But what they didn’t have was access and opportunity. There were many life circumstances…Have you heard about Eche?
If you haven’t heard about Eche yet, you will. It all started several years ago, when Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith did a clinic for…Determination- and a Piano- Help Teen Cross Cultural Boundaries
“I have learned so much that I can apply to both my music life and my everyday life.” In many ways, Jonah was an…Role Models and Report Cards: A Connection
Can a single report card symbolize something really meaningful? In Sonya’s case, the answer is yes. When she was 13 years old, Sonya came…Music Clubhouse: A Safe Space for Transgender Teen
“The me that had existed when I first started would never be able to even get on the stage.” When Emmett first came to…Just Do It!
“What captured my interest wasn’t the music. It was the energy of the people playing the music, which is why I enjoy what I…Going the Extra Distance for Music
“He has proven himself to be a young man of great character.” Thomas has a Boys & Girls Club across the street from the Housing…Music is Teen’s Lifeline
Struggling with life’s pressures, Music provides the best therapy! 18-year-old John has battled severe depression most of his life. Then this year, life got…Marching to the Beat of an… iPad
What instrument did you play growing up? Maybe guitar, violin, or piano? Could you imagine your instrument being an iPad? For hundreds of teens,…“Hard Work Pays Off” – More Than Just a Cliche for Sabine
“Groupie.” That’s how Sabine was known around her Boys & Girls Club when she was only 6-years-old. She wore the title with pride, because…When Your Bandmates Lift You From Ashes
It was a live power line that sparked the devastating house fire. But it was live music that helped one teen find the strength…Unlocking a Voice
Tessa was a selective mute who would communicate primarily by using hand signals… That is, until she was exposed to the music program. People…Homeless Teen Is Home in Music Clubhouse
At age 17, Joe has endured more hardships than most of us will endure in a lifetime. His story involves homelessness and neglect. His…When Rap Music Offers Comfort
Imagine being a child in and out of state custody for your whole life, never knowing who will be taking care of you at…The Feeling’s Mutual: Teen and Her Clubhouse Impact Each Other
“We see an increase in her overall happiness, and it brings hope to our community.” The Music Clubhouse is known as a place where…Music Eases Difficult Transition
“Every time I step into the room or onto the stage to perform, I feel like a confident superstar!” Moving to a new…Music and Mentorship Are a Powerful Combination
“When I finally got the part down it was like all the stress just went away and I felt really good.” At the Music…Teen Wins Competition, Gets Radio Spot
“Follow your dreams. And don’t let anyone tell you how to dream. Because they’re your dreams.” Wise words from 16-year-old Sebastian, who is following…Teen Finds Focus at Music Clubhouse
“Nick is very smart and focused… I can’t wait to see where the music takes him.” Just after Nick dropped out of school at…Music Clubhouse Gives Drummer Tools for Music and Personal Growth
“It’s rare to see someone with Nelson’s dedication and maturity at his age. I can always count on him.” Nelson, age 18, is an…Songwriting Helps Teen Manage Emotions
“Writing music helps me feel better. It relieves stress and makes me not want to fight.” “Jasper is a perfect example of what creative…Creating accessible, sustainable, high-quality programs… so every young person can experience the magic of music
Music Clubhouse Teaching music on contemporary instruments, we provide a safe place to explore, perform, write, and record music. “Music helps me express who…Clubhouse “Tribe” Helps Encourage Teen
“The Clubhouse makes me feel better, more comfortable, and at home.” When 14- year-old Alvaro first started attending the Music Clubhouse, he simply watched…Clubhouse Cultivates Songwriter, Scholar, Leader
“The Music Clubhouse gives me an opportunity to create and put my feelings into music. To create something to share with the world!” 16-year-old Kaden…Music-Making Leads to Good Decision-Making
“I feel like I’m in another world full of positivity in the Music Clubhouse.” The teen years can be particularly challenging, and some teens…Talented Teen Becomes Performer, Leader, Teacher
Jay was chosen for his position because of his musical expertise and the initiative he displayed early on to teach and mentor younger Music Clubhouse…Music Clubhouse Brings Out the Best in Teen With Behavioral Challenges
He thrives at the Music Clubhouse. He is making friends and feeling accepted. The social constructs of school have never been kind to 13-year-old…Youth Musician Leads by Example
“Joshua is passionate, dedicated, and motivates others to succeed.” Joshua’s love of music propelled him to the Music Clubhouse four years ago at the…Teen With Autism Finds Creative and Social Outlet
“Although she is non-verbal, she even tries to sing.” The therapeutic elements of music can truly change a person’s life. Such is the case…Commitment to Music Leads to Teen’s Academic Success
“When I step in the room, I feel free from the chains of the outside world.” 17-year-old Aria is a true example of what…Teen Expands Musical Horizons
“I want to be able to be a role model to others about not giving up on their dreams and knowing that they can…Commitment and Persistence Pays Off
“The Music Clubhouse is a safe place where I’m not afraid to show others what I have.” At age 13, Carissa has already learned…Mentor Provides Consistency, Community for Teens
“We offer a sense of community and a consistency…We’re here for them every day, whether it’s a good day or a bad day.” Rick…A Young Woman Empowered Through Songwriting
“Music became a positive coping skill rather than the negative ones I had been using.” Kristiana has been involved with the Music Clubhouse for…Teen Embraces Music Experience and Changes Course
“Watching this transformation has been one of the highlights of my time here.” If you could see Noel now, you’d never believe that he…First Guitar Lesson Breaks Through Barriers
Armed with this basic foundation of guitar instruction, Manuel immediately began feeling welcome, important, and empowered. Almost every day since joining the Boys &…Youth Leader is the Complete Package
“Every time I commit to the Youth Leader Program, I commit myself to another opportunity for growth, learning, leadership, and hard work. I also…Youth Leader Makes an Impact and Learns Responsibility
“I immediately felt a sense of joy overcome me knowing that my hard work contributed to that moment.” Kira reflects on her Youth…Becoming a Leader While Supporting His Family
“There is a great feeling that you get when you see how you have impacted someone and when someone looks up to you.” For…Music, Empathy, and Support Help Shape Leader
She was more confident in her role as a Youth Leader. She was reaching out to really shy members of the team and, through…Teen Discovers the Universal Language of Music
Chords and melodies are one language that everyone can understand and appreciate. My passions are playing guitar and drums, breakdancing, and learning and discovering…Performer Gains Communication Skills On and Off the Stage
“I did it, Mom!” Victor is a developmentally disabled 15-year-old who has always had an inclination toward music. Over the summer, Victor’s mother encouraged…Music Helps Teen Through Personal Tragedy
“To see him using our studio as a positive and productive way to cope with his loss has been a truly inspiring experience.” When…Inspiring Words From an Inspired Teen
“I was extremely attached to the music studio. It really opened up a part of me I didn’t know existed before.” Hanging on the…Student Hears Music in a New Way
When he joined the Studio Clubhouse, he quickly made friends and became very loved by his peers who helped him achieve his goals in…Rising Star Calls Clubhouse Home
In the midst of her new-found fame, Amanda stays grounded to her roots. At 11-years-old Amanda Mena of Lynn is already on her way…Javon’s Story – Building Confidence Through Music
“I know how hard it is for people around me who have talent to have a place to express themselves. This is something I…Music Clubhouse Alumni Want to Change How You Experience Music
“The most significant characteristic I learned at the Music Clubhouse was perseverance. This project has taken two years so far and I’ve had to work…Volunteer Makes a Musical Connection
I’ve learned how easy and rewarding it is to give a little time to something that can change a life.Growing Through Music and Coping With Life
“Casey is now an active member and leader among his peers. He is dedicated to music, his studies, and the Music Clubhouse family.”A Great Talent Pays it Forward
“The Music Clubhouse has given me the confidence to be an artist…this is the greatest place on earth.”Quiet Rock Star with the Love of LOUD
“I hope I can keep playing all my life, maybe even go to Berklee College.”Gaining Fluency in Language, Music, and Culture
“Music and language provided a great conduit for becoming an American.”A Big Shift From Trouble
“The Music Clubhouse has helped to bring about a big shift in Micah’s life.”A Leader Emerges: a Musical and Cultural Exchange
“Today Leo is employed as a Youth Leader at the Music Clubhouse, teaching guitar lessons and working closely with younger youth.”From “Rock Band” Musician to the Real Deal
“Jesse is involved in all aspects of the Music Clubhouse culture and embodies all that we hope to accomplish.”Making Honor Roll by Making Music
“I’m on track with my singing AND my school work!”Music Heals the Heart
“Music…it’s something you can feel. Something you can taste, see, hear, love, and experience. You can almost call it magic instead of music.”Music Propels Teen All the Way to Prestigious College
“The Music Clubhouse provided a turning point for Andre.”Young Musical Phenom Blossoms as Mentor in His Community
“Jason’s innate talent is hugely strengthened by his enthusiasm and commitment.”Angelic Performance Deeply Moves Father and Others
“When the song ended and he left with her, I felt happy and emotional inside as if I made my own father proud.…Youth Leader Shines in the Real World
“I found a joy in teaching that I had not found with anything else. I have come to love teaching music and I have…
Click here to download our Impact Stories Book: