HEALING THROUGH MUSIC
We must support young people in the face of the current mental health epidemic. According to research, depression and anxiety among our youth have doubled since the pandemic began. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 6,600 children aged 10-24 died by suicide in 2020; it was the second leading cause of death for children in that age group. The US Surgeon General published an advisory report in December 2021 that emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues our youth are experiencing. These are alarming statistics, and we are working diligently to mitigate these problems. As evidenced through research, learning music and audio engineering are more than just practical skills; these are powerful tools that can directly help alleviate mental health struggles in youth. Moreover, music reduces anxiety and depression, improves emotional regulation, and strengthens social relationships.
The time to act is NOW. With the support of our community leaders and members, we can begin to heal with music through our Sound Mind Initiative.
SUPPORT Sound Mind Initiative
Your donation is fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Service Code and is not given in exchange for goods or services. Our tax identification number is 83-3486258.
our 5-year plan
Through the Sound Mind Initiative, our goal is to reach 25,000 students in the greater Sacramento area over the next five years with programming that provides mental health support, connection and community building, and opportunities for social-emotional learning. Through Sound Mind Initiative, we are strategically expanding our offerings to reach young people where they already are, including in underfunded schools, on-location in under-serviced communities, and online through social media platforms where many young people already spend significant amounts of time.
The Sound Mind Initiative includes:
Creating a Music & Mental Health Curriculum for schools, online, and in-person community workshops with input from healthcare professionals and student feedback.
Developing mindfulness modules to augment our existing programs and online resources.
Training music educators on mindfulness techniques and mental health awareness.
Launching community programming with our partner Shattered Records, making Sacramento's finest, state-of-the-art recording studio available for students from all over the city.
Reaching young people in under-serviced communities throughout Sacramento with a professionally-equipped mobile recording studio.
Expanding our in-depth, two-year mentorship program, the Valley Producer Fellowship, to provide an additional 150 students with intensive group and one-on-one instruction, internship placements, and a Producer's Equipment Kit.
Increasing our participation in local community events in order to reach as broad an audience as possible throughout the greater Sacramento area.
Students Share Their Stories
“When you have music to put your emotions into, it helps you a lot.”
- Khapree
"Music is the best thing that keeps me calm and lets me know everything is going to be good in the future.”
- Cameron
“As far as music-making [goes], it gives me something to look forward to…and it makes me excited to put my creativity into a sound that maybe one day somebody will listen to it & relate to it.”
- Andrea
“The difference music makes in my life is, you know, for me it’s an expression. Whenever I play music I express myself. I play with my feelings…I play with the heart.”
- Jason
Benefits of Music & Community
“Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade.”
— Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
How You Can Help
Mental Health In The News
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The crisis of student mental health is much vaster than we realize
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‘It’s Life or Death’: The Mental Health Crisis Among U.S. Teens
Depression, self-harm, and suicide are rising among American adolescents. For one 13-year-old, the despair was almost too much to take.
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Why American Teens Are So Sad
Four forces are propelling the rising rates of depression among young people.
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What is music therapy, and how does it work?
Music therapy involves using a person’s responses and connections to music to encourage positive changes in mood and overall well-being.
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As shootings mount, anger grows that it’s ‘happening over and over’
Gun violence from California to Washington, D.C., leaves officials grasping for answers
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How COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected the Mental Health of Teens
Experts say teens were dealing with a variety of mental health issues even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The kids are not all right. The CDC finds mental health among teens has declined
In a new CDC survey, almost half of teens reported consistently feeling sad or hopeless, with certain groups showing a tougher impact from the pandemic.
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Adolescents accounted for larger share of suicides in many states in 2020
Medical groups and health experts are increasingly sounding the alarm about child and teen mental health.
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Teens’ Mental Health Suffered During Covid-19 Pandemic, CDC Study Finds
Nearly 20% of U.S. high-school students surveyed said they seriously considered suicide in the prior 12 months; data ‘echo a cry for help’
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Tracking Covid’s Mental Health Toll on Teens
Much has been written about the effects of the pandemic on mental health, especially for young people. This week, the U.S. released an eye-opening report on the toll of isolation, anxiety, pain and abuse created by Covid-19 for teenagers.
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Later school start times eyed to address youth mental health crisis
Several states and school districts are looking at implementing the shift.
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With students in turmoil, U.S. teachers train in mental health
Many states have mandated teacher training on suicide prevention over the last decade and the pandemic prompted some to broaden the scope to include mental health awareness and supporting behavioral health needs.
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The Mystifying Rise of Child Suicide
A family tragedy sheds light on a burgeoning mental health emergency.
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The mental health crisis among children and teens: How parents can help
We are in the midst of a pediatric mental health crisis — and parents need to take action.
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Surgeon General Warns of Youth Mental Health Crisis
The coronavirus pandemic intensified a rise in adolescent depression, anxiety and mental health distress that was underway before the spring of 2020.