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HEALING THROUGH MUSIC

We must support young people in the face of the current mental health epidemic. According to research, depression and anxiety among our youth have doubled since the pandemic began. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 6,600 children aged 10-24 died by suicide in 2020; it was the second leading cause of death for children in that age group. The US Surgeon General published an advisory report in December 2021 that emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues our youth are experiencing. These are alarming statistics, and we are working diligently to mitigate these problems. As evidenced through research, learning music and audio engineering are more than just practical skills; these are powerful tools that can directly help alleviate mental health struggles in youth. Moreover, music reduces anxiety and depression, improves emotional regulation, and strengthens social relationships.


The time to act is NOW. With the support of our community leaders and members, we can begin to heal with music through our Sound Mind Initiative.

SUPPORT Sound Mind Initiative

Your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Service Code and is not given in exchange for goods or services. Our tax identification number is 83-3486258.

our 5-year plan

Through the Sound Mind Initiative, our goal is to reach 25,000 students in the greater Sacramento area over the next five years with programming that provides mental health support, connection and community building, and opportunities for social-emotional learning. Through Sound Mind Initiative, we are strategically expanding our offerings to reach young people where they already are, including in underfunded schools, on-location in under-serviced communities, and online through social media platforms where many young people already spend significant amounts of time.

The Sound Mind Initiative includes:

  1. Creating a Music & Mental Health Curriculum for schools, online, and in-person community workshops with input from healthcare professionals and student feedback.

  2. Developing mindfulness modules to augment our existing programs and online resources.

  3. Training music educators on mindfulness techniques and mental health awareness.

  4. Launching community programming with our partner Shattered Records, making Sacramento's finest, state-of-the-art recording studio available for students from all over the city.

  5. Reaching young people in under-serviced communities throughout Sacramento with a professionally-equipped mobile recording studio.

  6. Expanding our in-depth, two-year mentorship program, the Valley Producer Fellowship, to provide an additional 150 students with intensive group and one-on-one instruction, internship placements, and a Producer's Equipment Kit. 

  7. Increasing our participation in local community events in order to reach as broad an audience as possible throughout the greater Sacramento area. 

Students Share Their Stories

“When you have music to put your emotions into, it helps you a lot.”

- Khapree

"Music is the best thing that keeps me calm and lets me know everything is going to be good in the future.”

- Cameron

“As far as music-making [goes], it gives me something to look forward to…and it makes me excited to put my creativity into a sound that maybe one day somebody will listen to it & relate to it.”

- Andrea

“The difference music makes in my life is, you know, for me it’s an expression. Whenever I play music I express myself. I play with my feelings…I play with the heart.”

- Jason

Benefits of Music & Community

“Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade.”

— Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

How You Can Help

Mental Health In The News