With support from the California Arts Council, Aimusic.us will offer the free “Chinese Instrumental Music Education for Youth” program to 20–30 youth ages 7–13, primarily from underserved communities. This culturally responsive program provides 30 group lessons led by award-winning California artists, along with weekly music fundamentals classes. The program fosters positive social and emotional development in a safe and inclusive environment, emphasizing youth voice and cultural pride. By engaging students in traditional Chinese music, the project promotes cultural connection, life skills development, and equitable access to quality arts education. Collaboration between artists, families, and the community ensures a supportive learning experience that empowers youth to become confident creators and advocates in the arts.
Founded 30 years ago as Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra (FYCO), Aimusic.us services our multicultural community by providing performances, festival concerts, and Chinese music classes. Providing unique Chinese music performances is our first core program. Aimusic is one of the few Asian-American art groups in the nation highly-demanded by our communities. Before the pandemic, we gave over 40 performances and served more than 10,000 residents in the grand San Francisco Bay Area annually. After back to in-person, 5 teaching artists and 40 FYCO young musicians have brought 23 performances to the community last year and the same amount so far this year. We are invited by public libraries, schools, community centers, senior homes, high-tech companies, and cultural celebrations held by government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

