MENTORING THE
NEXT GENERATION
OF MUSICIANS
What We Do
Preparing Youth for a Lifelong Journey of Creativity and Growth
Musicians at Play (MAP) is a vibrant community of music professionals who partner with Los Angeles-area schools to deliver instrumental and vocal training, coaching, and mentoring to fundamentally change the way young people think about music, their ability, and their future careers in music and music related fields.
Oscar-winning Film Composers to Jazz Greats
MAP concentrates the talents of composers, filmmakers, musicians, educators, and historians to deliver life-changing opportunities for students across Southern California. Committed to teaching music in a diverse society to students regardless of individual difference or ability, MAP mentors believe that all children deserve to have rich and diverse musical experiences.
Showcasing the Power of Music
Each season, MAP leaders meet with school administrators, teachers and parents to customize a series of sequential workshops (aligned with VAPA standards) culminating in a live and virtual concert program. The mentors provide one-on-one and small group coaching and technical instruction to students to prepare them for the audition process, rehearsal life and ultimately, live performance. The program is offered tuition free to marginalized youth, their teachers and the specific communities they live in. MAP’s Social Justice initiative supports students of color, students learning English, and students from low income families who continue to face inequitable opportunities in their schools.
Delivering During a Pandemic
MAP is dedicated to the students. In order to compensate for distant learning safety protocols, MAP has conducted over 400 hours of virtual instrumental and vocal coaching. Working with LA school districts, one-on-one and small group coaching programs has kept the gift and inspiration of music into the lives of youth who depend on their musical abilities for cultural creative expression and personal self esteem.
“…mentors teach us how to convey feeling…to connect with one another.”
– Eyen P. (Violin student)
CONTINUING LA’S MUSICAL LEGACY THROUGH MENTORING AND PERFORMANCE
Press
Musicians At Play Connecting Youth, Mentors And Community Through Music
By Linda A. Rapka
Recognizing that music and the arts are a vital part of a young person’s overall education – and with these essential aspects of learning severely lacking in Los Angeles public schools – a determined, music-minded couple set out to make a difference.
Their vision to enrich young lives was realized in 2015 with the launch of Musicians at Play. Co-founded by April and Don Williams, the nonprofit arts and education foundation boasts of robust array of programs partnering students with Oscar-winning film composers, jazz greats and world-class Los Angeles musicians…..READ MORE
