What is the Music & Imagination Program?
The Turner Foundation’s free C.L.C. after-school music program is designed for students to expand their knowledge of music fundamentals, musicianship, and 21st century skills through our 7 core music offerings. Our core music programs include Music Exploration, One-On-One Music Instruction, Youth Blues & Jazz Band, Cross-Curricular Studies (ETSOL), Music Enrichment Excursions (MEE), Music Production, & EQ Vibes in partnership with AHA! The purpose of the TFMI program is for members to develop skills that lead to a basic understanding of music theory, performance, integrated thinking, and their ability to create peaceful and positive connections with others. Through this framework, our members gain the necessary skills to become productive and well-rounded musicians who lead their lives with intention, confidence, and purpose.
About our TFMI Program
Student Experiences
Our 7 Core Offerings
Music Exploration
This workshop based program is designed to acquaint young people to the elements of music. Participants experiment with different sounds and discover how they can be effectively combined to create music. Members learn how to listen and respond to music and become aware of rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and tempo as they sing, play, and improvise. Participants also expand their knowledge of appropriate and safe instrument use as well as share and talk about their experiences with music and identify what they enjoy and why.
One-On-One Music Instruction
Instruments currently being taught:
One-On-One music lessons are taught in a private lesson format as a healthy foundation for safe, productive, and confident learning. These meaningful and rewarding lessons are geared towards the specific goals, needs, and aspirations of each student regardless of experience or age. For new students, we take the time to assess their abilities and knowledge of music in order to meet their individual musical needs. Each lesson is 60 minutes long and devoted to learning both musicianship and music theory, in order to create knowledgeable and discerning young musician who understand music as a language. (All "One-On-One" students are required to perform in the TFMI Youth Blues & Jazz Band.)
Youth Blues & Jazz Band
The TFMI Youth Blues & Jazz Band is an opportunity for students to explore various styles of blues & jazz music and learn to play their individual instruments with their peers in a band setting. Students expand their ability to articulate, communicate, use dynamics, blend with an ensemble, as well as read and perform selected ensemble music. The focal points for this ensemble include performing live in front of an audience and working together as a team.
Exploring The Sound Of Life
Cross-Curricular Studies
The world beyond the classroom is cross-curricular. Everyday life is filled with people walking by, nature, cars, politics, social media, etc. We are always making connections between subjects but usually not on purpose. Our lack of intentional integrated thinking is often clouded by the need to categorize and separate subjects. In order to help reshape this perception, students combine music and different subjects to explore and learn about the world around them on a monthly basis. This provides an opportunity for students to put conscious effort into seeing the world as interdependent and connected rather than isolated subjects. Please see link for latest ETSOL Cross-CV Study:
Music Enrichment Excursions
Music Enrichment Excursions are field trips that are recognized as important moments in learning. They provide a shared social experience that strengthens bonds and gives the opportunity for students to encounter and explore novel events, performances and workshops in an authentic setting. These educational excursions allow students to live new, fun, and meaningful experiences that increase engagement in music and develop positive feelings that build a sense of belonging.
EQ Vibes
EQ Vibed is a workshop based-semester long program designed for teens to exercise and expand their social and emotional intelligence (EQ) skills. Hosted in Santa Barbara’s first Sonos & Santa Barbara Bowl Open-Air Music Studio. Participants explore different instruments and discover how they can be effectively combined to create music. Students learn how to listen and respond to music and become aware of rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and tempo as they play and improvise. Each musical experience ends with a guided reflection where participants discuss their thoughts and feelings with playing music and discover their music personality.
Music Production
In 2021, in response to the pandemic, TFMI was able to build and complete Santa Barbara’s first ever Open-Air Music Studio. Outfitted with professional-grade equipment, this studio, in conjunction with our two existing state-of-the-art studios, is ready 24/7 for students to set up their instruments, mics, and hit record. Our bands will be able to record their own songs and music videos. We’re excited to see what they will create!
Below are TFMI Program photos of our students in action. We take pride in facilitating meaningful and rewarding experiences in all 7 of our core music offerings.
TFMI’s newly renovated music studios are located in our community learning centers (CLCs) on the westside of Santa Barbara in two apartment complexes called, The Village and The Lighthouse. Each music studio is furnished with professional music instruments including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, drum kits, pianos, amplifiers and other modern music equipment that delivers an up-to-date, educational, and meaningful experience for all of our students.
“Sharing the joy of music making and facilitating rewarding experiences for young people has been a honor and a blessing. Everyday I look forward to getting more youth involved and having music tap into their fullest potential as aspiring musicians and productive participants of society.”
— David Rojas, Director of Music Programs
If you would like to make a considerable investment, or form a dynamic partnership as part of your corporate social responsibility program, then we would be delighted to discuss the numerous opportunities with you and how you can be recognized for your gift.
Contact Us
David Rojas
Director of Music Programs
(805) 450-1582
david@theturnerfoundation.com
Donnie Feller
Director of Operations
(805) 881-1644
donnie@theturnerfoundation.com
Anna Beebe Wilkens
Director of Development
(805) 730-1200
anna@theturnerfoundation.com
Main Office
(805) 730-1200
Partnerships & Sponsors
The Turner Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3).
The Turner Foundation—Since 1958
Ruling Year: 2021
EIN: 95-6111806