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!