Founded in 1994, the Music Partnership Program has brought music lessons to young students in the Los Angeles area. The program is supported entirely through generous philanthropy, including from the Herb Alpert Foundation, and currently extends to three partnership sites: The Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood, UCLA Community School RFK, and Collins and Katz Family YMCA. Students in The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music provide lessons for students eager to learn about how to play a number of different kinds of instruments, from piano, guitar, and percussion to harp, voice, flute and more. Â
The program has grown steadily in the past five years. This year marked the first year of the partnership with the Collins and Katz Family YMCA, and the introductions of more fellows into the program. In all, 11 UCLA fellows taught over 85 students this year.
The Music Partnership Program has a profound impact on all who participate, including our student-teachers. Music is a gift, and it touches teachers just as much as students. It also uplifts communities, as was on display in the end-of-year recital at the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood. Family and friends packed the room to hear their children perform on flute, guitar, piano, percussion, harp and choir.
Photos by Erwin Guzman, Courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood
For 18 years, I have heard the sounds of music just outside my office and every time I am hopeful the next generation of students will fill their communities with the power of music. I am forever grateful for the amazing partnership with The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood, over 30+ years STRONG!
Mel Culpepper
CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood
One of my most memorable students was Ludvin, a 3rd grader who, on his first lesson, couldn’t stop talking about how he had always wanted to play piano “ever since he was little” (he’s only 8!). He was one of my hardest workers and made a ton of progress. Starting from the very basics in January, by our showcase in June he was reading music and playing with both hands together after just five months–a huge achievement.
Olivia Phaneuf (MM Saxophone, 2027)
I was continuously impressed by each student’s ability to truly make the music their own. Whether playing their favorite video game soundtrack or reflecting on a particular musical emotion, the students naturally applied their life experiences in both learning and perceiving the music. Regardless of age, they improved at lightning speed. Most admirably, they approached each lesson with remarkable curiosity and enthusiasm—my students inspire me to bring that same energy to every aspect of my life.
Angie Lee (BA Musicology, 2026)
One of my favorite moments from this past year was watching the students’ love for music grow in real time. There was one student in particular who was always enthusiastic to learn and showed drastic improvement over his time in the class. I remember how excited I was when he started to embrace music outside of class. He would always tell my co-fellow and I that he was practicing at home and began recommended songs for the class to learn. Knowing that I played a role in igniting a passion in somebody else made me feel like I could make a real difference.
Isabelle Ragsac (BM Piano, 2027)
A student in my children’s choir class asked if we were going to have choir every week. When I said yes my student cheered and said “We are so lucky!” I tried not to tear up in that moment. I hold on to that memory and come back to it when I doubt myself or I question if what I am doing is really making an impact.
Ana Martinez (BA Music Education, 2025)
