Bay Area Music Project (BAMP) serves 250 K–12 students from under-resourced communities in Alameda and Oakland, CA, where access to high-quality music education is limited. Over half of our families identify as low-income, and BAMP is committed to making music education accessible through full-tuition scholarships, free instruments, and inclusive programming.
BAMP operates across five partner school sites during the academic year. Our flagship elementary chapter, serving 195 students, runs five days a week with 3–6 hour sessions. Starting in second grade, students choose from various ensembles—choir, strings, winds, brass, percussion, ukulele, and digital audio design & production. Our approach emphasizes small group instruction, culturally responsive repertoire, and leveled age-appropriate ensembles. Students regularly perform across the Bay Area, including collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma and singing the National Anthem at Golden State Warriors games.
Our middle and high school programs serve 55 students with 1–2.5 hour sessions, two days per week. Offerings include a rigorous cello study, a digital audio design program preparing students for music industry careers, and a culture-centered classical guitar class in East Oakland that celebrates Hispanic heritage through music and shared meals.
In response to consistent community encouragement, BAMP expanded enrollment by 25% in 2025, introducing new ensembles, including Double Bass at the elementary level and a more rigorous Cello Academy for middle and high school, and grew our performance partnerships with the NBA and local arts organizations, including the West End Arts District, Rhythmix Cultural Works, Young People’s Symphony Orchestra, and DIFF WORKS Studios.
BAMP’s community impact has earned widespread recognition, including the 2024 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award, the 2023 Jefferson Award for Public Service, and the 2021 Spotlight on Quality Award from the California Department of Education. At our core, we believe every child deserves the transformative power of music and the confidence to thrive.