Programs

Beyond the Bars focuses on providing positive and safe spaces where youth who have been impacted by violence or the incarceration system can express themselves. We work to create pathways into music throughout the city with our community partners. We run music programs with a number of anti-violence and trauma informed programs throughout the city where students have an opportunity to learn the basics of songwriting and recording. When students identify music as a passion we bring students into our transition team where students can receive further supports and lessons as they prepare to join one of our additional programs. Students can then join our Student Driven Music Academy or Practical Producer Program where they will have ongoing supports as they grow in their musical journey. Lastly students can join a Teacher Training Track where they can continue to grow into becoming paid teachers for the next generation.

Throughout all of our programming we focus on helping our students realize their talent and grow their self efficacy. Beyond the Bars currently offers over 8 different programs throughout the city using two main models: Our Student Driven Music Academy and our Practical Producers Program. These programs are performed throughout North, West and Northeast Philadelphia and works to serve students of various backgrounds. For more information on these programs click on the individual links: 

 

Student Driven Music Academy (SDMA):

–Instrumental Lessons: Students are offered weekly lessons with the instrument of their choosing. They are  partnered with talented musical educators who work with them to understand all of the core components of music theory and songwriting. These lessons provide students with the toolkit for which they can later use to writing their own original music and express themselves in the fashion that they feel comfortable.

–Band Based Instruction: As students become proficient with their instruments they form bands with other students in the program. They have weekly facilitated band practices where they work on writing original music together and learning songs of their choosing to perform for upcoming shows.

–Performing Opportunities: Students in an SDMA program receive an opportunity to perform shows with their bands or as individuals at least one time per semester (with the more advanced bands performing more shows). These shows are frequently sold out and occur at such venues as World Cafe Live, Green Soul, The Philadelphia Free Library and Eastern State Penitentiary.

–Career Planning Component: Beyond the Bars works to use music as the means for which our students explore themselves and build self efficacy. As students progress in the program they then meet with our career counselors who discuss with them their interests and set up job shadowing and informational interviews within professionals in various industries. Through these opportunities we work to help our students see what is available to them and explore the fields more thoroughly.

Current Programs Offered:

Shelters

  • SDMA Stenton Family Manor

Self Run Receiver at CEC

  • SDMA Specialty Monday
  • SDMA Tuesday
  • SDMA Wednesday
  • SDMA Thursday

Schools

  • SDMA CB Community School

Practical Producers Program (PPP):

–Audio Engineering Lessons: Students in the PPP work with Professional Audio Engineers as they learn the various components of production. They learn how to work with recording software such as Logic and Ableton and with equipment such as a variety of MIDI and DAWS interfaces. Through these lessons students acquire the skills to build a foundation on growing in the audio engineering field.

–Songwriting Instruction: The lessons in audio engineering are always taught in conjunction with how to make original music. The goal of the PPP is to help students learn how to write and record songs that express how they feel. As a result they have time to work with piano teachers and additional artists to help grow in their songwriting skills.

–Career Planning: Students in our Practical Producers Program has access to all of the same Career Planning Opportunities that our students in the Student Driven Music Academy do.

Current Programs Offered:

Shelter Programs

  • PPP Covenant House
  • PPP YSI

Diversion/Evening Reporting Centers

  • PPP NET ERC
  • PPP NET CIC
  • PPP JJC Germantown
  • PPP NET IHD
  • PPP DA’s Office of Diversion

Partner/Receiver Programs

  • PPP YEAH Philly
  • PPP RideFree
  • PPP NOMO

Schools

  • PPP Liguori