“Music is important to me because it is a way of expressing how you feel and sharing those thoughts with others, as well as using music to connect with others. Music connects people, especially during difficult times.”

“I hope that through this experience, my students will be able ot know about different forms of expressing themselves, as well as gaining skills that they can use for the future.”

“Music has a way of helping you cope with everyday issues. It rejuvenates me. I love gospel music because it moves me in way like none other. It reminds me that no matter what I may go through, try to be a blessing to someone else. Music can either fuel a fire or help put it out. The world is in chaos but music urges us to find a way to bring love and peace to world in which we all live in.”

“As a mentor my goal is to make sure that my youth succeed in going after dreams. My hope is that my student learn valuable lessons in how to find her voice in this world. To use what she learns to express herself through her thoughts, songs, poetry or any other positive mean.”

“Music is an avenue that brings people together. Music can bring a sense of harmony and enlightenment.”

“Being a mentor is very important to me because I have the opportunity to have an impact on a student’s development, and that student has an impact on my perspective. During this experience, I hope my student gathers the importance of connections, music, and a sense of self-belonging!”

“Music is art and art is a language that goes beyond culture, language, and tradition. Music is a tool that can be used to express, but also impacts and teaches both the creator and the listener. As the founder of the Celebration of Black History through the Arts (CBHA), I found music to be a passively forceful way to educate those who actively attempt to silence us. You may forget a speech or a statement, but songs can ring in your mind forever.”

“I hope my students use this as an opportunity to use their voices to let their communities know who they are, and how they are impacted by what happens around them. I hope they create music that will uplift others, but also will inspire themselves to stand strong and be proud of all they are.”

“Music is what saved my life and helped me get a better chance at life by chasing a dream many people want. Music is always there when I need it whether its happy or sad times. It’s always a bridge when things are going good or even through bad times. Music can help bring a community together, whether it’s dancing to the tune or singing along with the song that’s being played.”

“The most important thing I hope my student takes away from this experience is how powerful music can be as well as the words behind a song – and how to believe in the work that they produce and how to push themselves to create great works, even if no one believes in it.”

“Music helps you express emotions/feelings/events/things you cannot put into words. Music is more than just words, melodies, and beats to me, the process of making music is a form of expression.”

“Being a mentor means I can be there to guide, assist, listen, and learn from my mentee. I want to be a guide and an aid to help my mentee during this exciting and unique time, I want to make sure they feel comfortable as they continue to grow and test their amazing abilities.”

“Music speaks for me when I can’t find the words. Listening to and reciting music can give my community a sense of connection and hope. At times it can even give someone a moment to escape, taking a much needed break from their harsh reality.”

“A mentor sees a persons potential and helps them to realize it. I hope that my student takes away a greater passion for their craft, and for their songs to impact lives for years to come.”

“Music is the soundtrack of my life. Every stage of my life, I can recall what I was going through or experiencing with a song. I have learned a lot through lyrics and artists that came before me.”

“Being a mentor gives me the opportunity to share my wisdom with the next generation. Helping people find their purpose is exciting and rewarding. It is our job to make sure the next generation has everything they need to excel. The most important thing I hope these students get from this experience is the understanding that they have a voice and their voices matter.”

“Music sets the tempo for the day. Music is the place where I can go to see the good in the world and be reminded that there is a hope for a better tomorrow. It inspires, encourages and energizes me as I travel this road called life. Through music, students can learn healthy ways to share emotions such as pain, grief, love and happiness. Music is a form of therapy for many who struggle with verbalizing their feelings.”

“Through being a mentor, I can add to my reason for having been here on earth. The most important thing I hope to see students take away from this is that there is a message in music. Students need to be mindful of what they listen to and the impact it can have on their lives and decision making.”

“Music is a form of self expression. I believe it is very powerful and it can definitely unite us during hard times. Simply listening to a good song can uplift my mood in a matter of seconds, and that's just me. I can only imagine what it can do to others.”

“Being a mentor is a huge responsibility but also a huge blessing. Having the opportunity to work closely with an individual is such an honor to me. I hope our students use this experience to express themselves more openly with music and also use music as a form of stress relief during hard times.”

“Music allows us to feel however we want to feel at any given moment. It gives another perspective to look at besides our own.”

“Being a mentor means spending time and learning from one another, and eventually the other person trusts you enough to receive mentorship. I hope this experience gives my student the confidence to write meaningful songs, and the understanding of how the music business works.”

“Music creates a safe space to escape, to let go of everything, and connect to the words. I like to listen to music that has meaning and a message. It’s an outlet for people to communicate their pain and feelings as well as their hopes and dreams. It brings people together to listen, to create, to enjoy.”

“I truly believe every child deserves a community of people that care about them, support them, advises them and always keeps their best interest at the forefront while providing as many opportunities as possible for them to learn, grow and realize their full potential. I hope my student walks away from this feeling more confident in her ability to express herself through music, as well as impact her community through her music.”

“I believe music is a universal language and can communicate across cultures. One may not be able to communicate verbally but emotions, ideas and feelings can be translated through music. During painful times, I think music can support in a call to action in my community. It can support with educating my community and uplifting my community.”

“Being a mentor means guiding and supporting someone through a journey of any kind. The most important thing my scholar takes away from this experience is self- confidence. I think having that can support with accomplishing ANYTHING in life.”