Youth, students and families
The Listening Lab.
Young people research a record, write its liner notes, run the playback and host a program of their own.
Creative skills, close listening and collaboration, developed with educators.
Three tracks
Built with educators.
Teen Lab
A small group spends six weeks developing a music program: exploring recordings, researching their stories, writing liner notes, learning sound and planning how to welcome an audience. The cycle ends with a presentation for family and the public.
College Collaborations
Students engineer, design and co-present programs with faculty guidance. It’s real experience with a live audience, plus credit where programs allow.
Family Listen
Short, hands-on listening. Find the drum, follow the melody, draw what you hear. Adults stay and take part.
Skills
What young people take away.
- Critical listening and the vocabulary to describe what they hear.
- Research and sourcing: telling a documented fact apart from an interpretation, and crediting both.
- Audio and production basics on professional playback equipment.
- Writing and design for a real audience, through the liner-notes card.
- Hosting and presenting to a room of adults.
- Belonging: a place to be taken seriously for what they love.
The Lab is designed to give young people room to listen closely, make something of their own and share it with others. Their work, along with feedback from participants and educators, will help us understand what they are learning and shape each program as it develops.
Safety and standards
Designed for young people.
- Adults working with minors are screened, and two adults are present at every youth program.
- No alcohol at youth or family programs, and youth programs are kept separate from any adult hospitality.
- Parent or guardian registration and photo consent for anyone under 18.
- Music selections are chosen with educators and suited to the age group.
- Free or low-cost participation, funded by supporters and partners.
Education partners
Schools and colleges we’d love to work with.
We’re in early conversations and will only list partners here once they’ve confirmed. High schools with arts and media programs, colleges with music production and arts programs, public libraries and youth organizations across Southwest Florida are all a natural fit.
Become an education partner