Grantee Database

DANCE MUSIC INITIATIVE

Grant Year

2022-23

Grant Program

Creative Youth Development

Award Amount

$38,000.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, Dance Music Initiative will teach DJing and dance music culture to after-school students in Southern California school districts. This grant will allow us to compensate two instructors for one academic school year.

Organization Summary

Free DJ lessons:
Our nonprofit teaches DJ fundamentals, history, and culture to both aspiring and experienced DJs. Our robust curriculum starts with vinyl records and turntables, then moves to modern digital platforms. We liken our educational philosophy to being “classically trained” in the art of DJing. This approach instills respect for the craft while honing students’ ear training.

Despite the advent of modern tools that can automate much of the DJ workflow, we believe our vinyl-first approach is like learning math with a pencil and paper before using a calculator. Getting the right answer with a calculator doesn’t necessarily mean you understand how math works. Similarly, relying on DJ technology without first training your ears can limit your growth and potential as an artist.

We’ve been providing these FREE lessons every week since 2010 and anyone is welcome to attend. All of our instructors are graduates of our curriculum who are now paying it forward to the next generation.

After-school program:
We provide creative outlets for children in a structured and safe environment. We believe it is important to empower today’s youth with creative skills and tools so they can become the artists of tomorrow.
Highlights include…
* Taught DJ lessons in the Santa Ana and Buena Park public school districts for eight years across 14 elementary, middle, and high schools
* All equipment was provided
* We partnered with after-school programs whose services are free to children and parents
* Students DJed a school event at the end of the course

Host musical performances:
We host dance gatherings where our students get to apply what they’ve learned and perform live for their local communities. Our gatherings are safe, inclusive spaces for attendees to express themselves through music and dance. It’s common for performers to share their cultural background through their music.

Organization

DANCE MUSIC INITIATIVE

Address

21194 JASMINES WAY

LAKE FOREST

92630-7608

County

Orange

Region

South – Los Angeles & Orange

Phone

(909) 210-3464

Congressional District

40th Congressional district of California

State Assembly District

District 72

State Senate District

District 37

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