ELECTRIC MOON FOUNDATION
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Mission Statement
Electric Moon Foundation is an innovative music education and youth development program serving diverse youth in marginalized neighborhoods in Los Angeles, California. We are dedicated to sharing the healing power of music and to ensuring that it reaches our most vulnerable youth. Our primary work consists of providing progressive and unique music programs, including cost-free instruments for all participants to keep, cost-free classes, anti-bullying programs, mentoring, performances, and trauma-related assistance using the arts as a form of healing.
About This Cause
Electric Moon Foundation's major activities are our free after-school, summer camp and holiday music education programs. We take a unique approach to teaching music teaching not just the notes, but what is ‘between the notes’: the joy of music; the thrill of performance; the confidence of self-knowledge; and the tools to apply these newfound experiences to all aspects of life. The children and youth we work with learn vital and basic aspects of music and instrumentation, form and name their own bands, compose songs, work collaboratively, and present their songs in a live concert for family, friends and community members. We also take the youth on a variety of field trips as we want them to experience what it is like to be a “real musician.” Our participants learn about basic sound engineering, preparing for the stage, stage etiquette and are treated to a real band photo-shoot with a professional photographer. We also enjoy visiting museums and art installations in and around Los Angeles as we believe exposure to art is a key aspect of living a well-rounded and joyful life. The population we serve are homeless children ages 4 to 18 who are currently living in transitional housing in Los Angeles, California. They are racially diverse (mostly Hispanic Black, Asian, Pacific-Islander and Mixed-Race), and economically, geographically, educationally and socially marginalized. For many of our youth, these are the first music lessons they will have, so we start at the beginner level and work our way up. We explore all genres of modern music including rock, pop, jazz, blues, hip-hop, Latin, reggae, as well as music written in Spanish. It is important to us that our youth have an understanding of many different musical cultures and of the history of the people who created them. We teach guitar, drums, bass, ukulele, piano and any other instruments that are requested by the youth. The students get to keep their instruments at the end of the program: one participant took her new guitar and formed her own band! The objectives of our music education programs are to introduce children and youth participants to a variety of instruments, creative songwriting, collaborative group work, participation in public performance, and, centrally, to help them address the trauma of homelessness and abuse. Indeed, our programs seek to find the areas in the lives of our youth participants where guidance and assistance is needed, which we then provide through mentoring and the healing process of music. Research provides strong evidence for the positive impact that arts and culture programs can have on youth development, academic achievement, and overall well-being. One 2020 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that youth who participated in arts and culture programs reported higher levels of resilience, self-esteem, and social support compared to those who did not participate. Our youth grow emotionally, psychologically and socially as we encourage them to work through their experiences and feelings through the creative process. The outcomes are potent songs, and lyrics filled with messages of empowerment, diversity and encouragement: "Don't you stand in my way, just trying to make the day ok. You won't shake my tree, I'll stand tall cause that's just me and isn't that the way it's supposed to be? Love, Peace and Harmony." We provide vital and important lessons that give our youth participants a chance to heal and to use what they have learned in their everyday lives and in their communities. As one recent graduate of a summer camp program, Diego, put it, "I took this class because of Brent. First, I didn't have wings of hope, but I found out there is one in me. That's why I got inspired of life [sic]. Thank you." We have a track record of success as reported by staff at Midnight Mission, Alexandria House, Union Rescue Mission, Casa Esperanza and Homelight Family Living Center. Best though, is to see what parents have to say about their children’s experiences in our programs: "About 3 years ago my dad used to be the property manager from right next door to Alexandria House, but unfortunately he passed away. I took over my dad's job because I had to support my mom during the transition. We were really depressed and I started going to Casa Alexandria, and they told me about the after school program (the school program is for the kids that belong to the Alexandria house and the community). After a couple months my daughter Arianna was part of the after-school program and my daughter was extremely happy!! She loved it!! OMG your classes brought so much happiness to my daughter and my family, she wanted to attend all of your musical classes, you built so much confidence into this little human, my daughter!!! About 3 months ago, I received a message from you telling me that you had a violin for my daughter, we went to pick it up and she has been practicing every day!!" And one of our partner organizations: "Brent and the Electric Moon Foundation were first introduced to us through the Guitar Center Foundation and he has been an incredible community partner. We are deeply grateful for the impact Electric Moon Foundation has made on our teenage students through their arts and culture enrichment programs. Brent’s work with us at Monday with the Mission, helping those experiencing homelessness, has brought invaluable lessons in songwriting, self-expression, and music. His positive energy and mentorship have deeply inspired our students, providing them with both career and life skills. Brent has a remarkable ability to connect with kids, guiding them in discovering their voices and potential. His presence has been transformative for our students, and we are so thankful for the lasting positive influence he and his foundation have brought to our program." Justine Sophia Director - Mondays at the Mission Union Rescue Mission