Erick Sanchez, founder of Normandie Records, Interview with Myka Miller, Executive Director of Harmony Project
This month, Normandie Records, in collaboration with numerous LA based artists and record companies, will release Noise, Forgotten: A Compilation for Harmony Project Los Angeles. All proceeds from the compilation album will go directly to Harmony Project Los Angeles, who has been bringing music into the lives of children from low-income communities for 16 years and counting.
As stated on their official website, their mission is to promote the healthy growth and development of children through the study, practice and performance of music, to build healthier communities by investing in the positive development of children through music, and to develop children as musical ambassadors of peace, hope and understanding amongst people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.
To kick things off, we were fortunate enough to ask Harmony Project Executive Director, Myka Miller, a few questions about the organization, how it works, and how we can all get involved. Huge thanks to Maya Barrera of Harmony Project for helping put this together.
ES: How long have you been working with Harmony Project, and what made you want to be a part of the organization?
Myka: My background is in music - in fact, my whole life has been music. I come from a small town in Texas that had a huge music education program (thanks to football!) I pursued both my Bachelor and Master Degrees in oboe performance and I lived in Mexico for a number of years, working professionally as a musician in a number of orchestras. In fact, I still actively perform locally and abroad.
But performing wasn’t and isn’t enough for me.
I believe in the power of music and its role in social justice. Music has a history of creating change and I saw the opportunity to join Harmony Project in 2007 as a way of being an agent of social change at the grassroots level in Los Angeles. At the core of our work is the idea that every child, regardless of socio-economic background is entitled to music as part of his or her overall educational experience. It cannot be just a privilege for those who can afford it.
ES: How many students are currently enrolled in Harmony Project?
ES: What do the courses consist of?
Myka: The program is designed to engage all children and all skill levels. Initially, students enroll in a basic musicianship class, designed to develop fundamentals - music reading and writing, rhythm, pitch, etc. Subsequently, every child receives an instrument to use as their own and attends at least two group classes each week after school. Students also meet in a band, choir, orchestra, or other ensemble on Saturdays for 3 hours.
In total, students are with us a minimum of 5 hours per week - and some are attending classes up to 13 hours a week! Our goal is that every child receives 200 to 375 hours of music instruction per year.
Currently, our program encompasses:
o 2,053 students from 200 schools across 8 school districts;
o 53 leadership and mentor students, ages 13-17;
o 39 large ensembles (orchestras, bands, choirs);
o 75 student performances a year.
We also offer college prep workshops, field trips and enrichment opportunities, as well as social support resources geared for the entire family.
ES: How would you describe the process your students go through from the moment they enter the program to when they graduate or leave for college? What are some of the intangibles they gain, and how have you seen music education affect other areas of their lives?
Myka: It’s a process of constant discovery. Discovery of their individual voice through song. Discovery of how their individual part incorporates into the larger orchestra. Discovery that college attainment is a real possibility. Our students literally grow up in our programs and discover who they are as they develop into young adults. On average, students are with us for 7 years - and personally, I know a lot of our kids who started at age 6 and are now in college!
From day one, they enter our program as children, with not much experience in anything. When they graduate, they are armed with the experience of performing countless times at venues throughout Los Angeles - and for some, throughout the world. They are armed with the life skills they discovered through practicing: patience, persistence, focus. They know how to work with others because they were in orchestras and bands where collaboration, respect, and communication were key. And, they leave our program knowing that they are important. That someone had their back for years and continues to care about their future.
For me, the most important thing students gain is the power to make friends anywhere in the world, at any time. Music opens doors and opportunities and social capital that lasts a lifetime.
Harmony Project Los Angeles - www.harmony-project.org
ES: Doesn’t California law require schools to provide the arts?
Myka: Yes, but at a very watered down level. And the truth is, a lot of schools are barely - or not at all - meeting these requirements.
ES: Can you recall a success story under Harmony Project that really stands out to you?
Myka: I can tell you about so many “impressive” success stories: Fulbright Scholars, Music Competition winners, Performances at the White House.
For me, the one that stands out is not so sensational, but it is powerful. We had a student - let’s call her Leticia. Leticia had been in the program since she was 7.
At age 15, Leticia started getting into some trouble. Trouble that nearly kicked her out of her home and was leading her down a dead end path. And she was failing within the Harmony Project program.
We had a choice. Drop Leticia and let her fall victim to ignorant choices, or embrace Leticia, which is what we did. And it wasn’t an especially easy road. We continued to set high expectations, but we also went out of our way to support her with the tools needed for her to forge another path.
Leticia never quit and held her head high. Fast forward a few years: Leticia is a very successful college student, and I couldn’t be more proud.
ES: Statistics indicate schools in more affluent communities are able to maintain arts education with the assistance of outside contributions such as donations from community members. I’m a firm believer that we must invest in our communities if we wish to see them flourish. What are your thoughts on this? What message do you wish to send to the communities that depend solely on district funding, and may not think about spending disposable income to help establish a balanced academic curriculum for their children?
Myka: Unfortunately, for the populations we serve, I don’t think their schools are actively choosing not to spend money on the arts. I really think there is no “disposable income” for schools to throw in another direction. LAUSD is trying, however only 45% of LAUSD schools currently offer instrumental music instruction. We see ourselves as addressing a deep void within the community, while also supporting and enhancing what the local schools and districts are providing so that our students are receiving a robust education.
ES: Has Harmony Project seen support from the local music scene in Los Angeles? How about any major record companies?
Myka: Unfortunately, the truth is that we have had very little support from major record companies. Years ago, students got a chance to record in a studio at Atlantic Records - and that was amazing! But, there hasn’t been much since.
As for the local music scene, we are thankful to have a handful of artists who have collaborated with us on different levels. And the opportunities seem to be coming around more and more, which is wonderful. We are thrilled to be partnering with Normandie Records and look forward to how that will bring more attention to the essential work we do. The exposure is fantastic, but I can tell you - it’s the camaraderie that I enjoy the most. To know that there are artists out there willing to give back and take ownership of the Los Angeles community is powerful. And for that to manifest in the support of our students is meaningful beyond words. And it’s inspiring. I look forward to forging new bonds and going on my own path of discovery as we as artists all work together towards the greater good.
ES: Lastly, please tell readers how they can get involved with Harmony Project.
Myka: Our website is a great place to get started: www.harmony-project.org and our social media pages will keep everyone updated on the latest haps. If you want to get involved in a more meaningful way, we are always eager to host interested community members at our program sites so they can see first hand what we do and discuss potential partnerships.
Myka has overseen Harmony Project expand from 250 to over 2,000 students since joining as Executive Director in 2007. Under her direction, Harmony Project was awarded the Coming Up Taller Award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and launched new initiatives and partnerships with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles City College, and P.S. Arts. She holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in music performance, in addition to an Executive MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business.
