Harmony Project Bay Area (HPBA) is a research-informed after-school program that empowers BIPOC youth from low-income communities through access to high-quality, tuition-free music education. We offer multi-year instrumental music training, mentorship, and performance opportunities beginning in 2nd or 3rd grade and continuing through high school graduation.

Our comprehensive curriculum includes creative composition, improvisation, and culturally relevant repertoire—ensuring that students see their identities reflected in their music education. Students receive a minimum of 90 minutes of instruction twice per week, with some attending up to five hours weekly. We provide hands-on training in violin, viola, cello, guitar, chamber ensemble, mariachi, string orchestra, and improvisation, all taught by professional musicians.

HPBA fosters community-driven solutions through a robust peer-to-peer mentorship program. Middle and high school students take on leadership roles by tutoring younger peers, leading warm-ups, and assisting in group rehearsals. This model builds musical skills, confidence, and a deeper investment in learning, while also cultivating future leaders within and beyond the program.

Social-emotional learning is embedded throughout our curriculum, using music as a tool for self-expression, identity-building, and resilience. Annual performances draw over 1,000 audience members and serve as celebrations of student growth, while strengthening ties among families, schools, and the broader community.