Music Saved My Life Programs

Asbury Park’s music scene, downtown and boardwalk have experienced an economic turnaround in the past decade. Yet the City remains among the most challenged communities in the country.

Our Music Saved My Life (MSML) youth music education programs are delivered in partnership with Lakehouse Music Academy (LHMA), whose unique approach to teaching is perfectly positioned to provide life-changing classes. Programs in LHMA transparently blend under-resourced youth with well-resourced youth from throughout the county and offer access to a locally based, professional state-of-the-art studio and rehearsal space. Their instructors, primarily active musicians themselves, provide mentorship and emphasize life-skills just as much as musical proficiency. These programs provide relevant and engaging music programs that connect with the youth in the Asbury Park area, one the most challenged youth communities in the country.

Over the course of several years, APMF has thoughtfully and strategically built partnerships with LHMA, Asbury Park schools, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.

To bridge this disparity, APMF partnered with Lakehouse Music Academy to establish Music Saved My Life youth education programs. MSML currently comprises one daily in-school music program, two after-school programs-the Hip Hop Institute at the Boys & Girls Club and a music program at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, along with the individual scholarships for students to attend Lakehouse. In total, these four programs are engaging over 300 youths, yet there are still waiting lists for scholarship slots and schools without music programs. APMF’s goal is that all of our students will have opportunities to get a music education and that those with interest can progress to more advanced education.

Music Saved My Life Youth Programs include:

• Scholarships to Lakehouse Music Academy
• Hip Hop Institute at the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth
• Hope Academy Charter School music classes (K – 8)
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel after-school music program *
• Summer Music Camp **

*Currently funded for half of the 2024 school year.
** Due to funding shortages, summer camps have been put on hold as of the 2024 season.