MVM STUDENTS PERFORM AT THE CRYSTAL BALLROOM

I remember starting My Voice Music and someone saying to me, “someday these kids are going to blow your mind…and it won’t be very long from now.” Certainly, over a few short years, this has been the case; over and over again. Young people using music to share their story is powerful. It is powerful when our staff are the only people in the room to hear it, and it is powerful when it is on stage in front of hundreds of people. It is inspiring to watch and listen and learn.

Our Students performance at the Crystal Ballroom, indeed, blew me away. Our Studio Manager, Luke Hall, said it best, “They truly came into their own as a full-on rock band, cohesive in their songs and chemistry. The showmanship was off the charts, looking and sounding like a band that could be headlining arenas.”

See More Photos from the Crystal Ballroom. All Photos by Christine Dong

SUMMER CAMPS

There are few things we do at My Voice Music that make me smile, laugh, and sweat more than our summer rock camps!

I am thankful for the opportunity I had to give hi-fives, side-hugs, and exchange terrible jokes with our campers.

I am thankful to teach and lead alongside, our high-school students, and the young adults who act as teachers and mentors.

I am thankful for the support of the community that makes these summer camps available for free to over 50 kids living in foster care, and any family who can not afford them.

Listen to an album written and recorded by youth from just one rock camp this summer.

MVM STUDIOS OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

MVM Studios, our studio and performance space in SE Portland, opened it’s doors to any and all young people from the public this year. We are now working withup to 60 kids a week out of the space. (95 percent of which are on full scholarship thanks to the support of our community and families who participate in our Play it Forward Scholarship Model!)

From hip hop nights, to songwriting and recording rock camps, to middle school, high school, and transition-age (18 – 20 yr olds) groups, My Voice Music is growing our year-round impact on youth in a big way.

MVM studios is also a resource for the young people from our therapeutic programs.

These programs take place at treatment centers and rehabilitation programs at private facilities, however, after discharging, kids have the opportunity to come to MVM Studio’s and record their own songs and share their story and to be heard.

Then, if they choose to, they can join our year-round programs and grow their musical skills while being supported on a personal level too at MVM Studios.

MISSISSIPPI STUDIOS

Mississippi Studios is our final student performance of the year. This year middle schoolers shared the same stage as young adults 18 – 20 years old from our transition program. MVM Student’s from all over the Portland area participated.

We were inspired as we watched one young woman we have worked with for years face her fears and get up on the stage for the first time and share her music.

I am proud of all of our staff and our students for sharing their hearts and their music so boldly.

I am honored by this work.

To be surrounded such passionate people is inspiring.

Thank you for helping to make My Voice Music a place for everyone to find their voice and for participating in such an impactful year.

- Ian

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

Monica Metzler
Outreach Coordinator & Teacher
Read Highlights from Monica

Luke Hall
Studio Manager & Teacher
Read Highlights from Luke

What’s the Impact?

This video shares the story of how just one moment can make a huge impact on a young person at My Voice Music.