​We commit to our young people
for their entire childhood

​Harmony Project KC is a free, research-based youth development and mentoring program for underserved children, using music as the vehicle to keep them safe, in school, and improve academic performance.

​Housed just east of downtown at the Northeast Community Center, we are an affiliate of the acclaimed Harmony Project Los Angeles, recognized as one of the most effective arts-based youth interventions in the nation. Harmony students consistently defy the odds, with 100% college acceptance rate last year, including two Fulbright Scholars.

Learning to play an instrument takes patience, persistence, and focus - -  the same qualities needed to excel in school and beyond.  Music fosters creativity and is a gateway to academic inquiry.  Our goal is that our students transfer all these skills to their schoolwork, their families, and their community.

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What's at stake

We help underserved youth living in neighborhoods with the fewest resources

• students come from high crime areas in the urban core
• 40% high school drop-out rate
• music education diminished or eliminated in our local schools
• many students are academically behind by third grade
• focus is on the after-school environment when children are at greatest risk

How it works

We provide an intense, year-round orchestral music program combined with character development - helping at-risk youth succeed

• All instruments and lessons are free as long as they stay in school
• As students advance, they mentor their less advanced peers
• We prepare them for college and provide scholarship support 
• We encourage parental support and involvement to build a strong sense of community

Results

Studies show that children who learn to play a musical instrument:

• are more likely to graduate high school and attend college
• score higher in math, language, and on ACTs
• are less prone to drug and alcohol abuse
• show an increase in self-esteem, focus and discipline
• most students will be the first in their family to attend college

"Harmony Project may be the most effective and well-accepted public health intervention I have ever seen."   ---- Calif. State Sen. Carol Liu

"Music makes me feel safe, and it teaches me that I can do or be anything."    ---- HPKC Student

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Donor/Volunteer Spotlight

Juanita – We are so proud and fortunate to have some of the kindest, most generous volunteers at HPKC. Our staff and teachers are amazing, but we wouldn't be able to do what we do without the help of our volunteers. Juanita helps out every Saturday, and because of her we can give our students snacks on Saturdays, offer workshops for our Musicianship students, and keep our kids safe! Thank you Juanita!

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