Jackson & Marena
Jackson
Jackson
Jackson
If I was stuck on a deserted tropical island and could only bring three things, I would probably bring a an iPod with downloaded music, headphones, and a portable charger. I probably wouldn't last very long, but I know I'd have a far better time than the guy that chose to bring survival tools and planned to scavenge for survival.
Music is
If I was stuck on a deserted tropical island and could only bring three things, I would probably bring a an iPod with downloaded music, headphones, and a portable charger. I probably wouldn't last very long, but I know I'd have a far better time than the guy that chose to bring survival tools and planned to scavenge for survival.
Music is the greatest tool I utilized in navigating high school. I've been playing the piano for over a decade, and it wasn't until I took playing the piano seriously at the beginning of high school that I was able to understand the seemingly therapeutic benefit it can provide. I started high school in 2020, where I knew no one at the school I transferred to. Moreover, I transitioned in a period during Covid, so it became exceedingly difficult to to make connections. Upon this struggle for connection, I found myself diverting my attention to the piano, where I was able to invest my time into a meaningful musical connection.
Whenever feeling anxious or overwhelmed, my solution was always to play the piano, and let my fingers melodically release the stress. This became a healthy outlet I found myself relying on daily. Studying for hours and need a break? Play the piano. Stressed out about test scores? Play the piano. Worrying about social circles? Piano. Piano. Piano.
My goal in co-founding this organization is to dismantle music as a prerogative. Musical instruments and lessons are highly expensive, and I know my parents have invested a small fortune into my resources. Community Keys will allow for those otherwise unable to access the same music therapy that I relied on so heavily throughout high school.
Marena
Jackson
Jackson
I was luckily born into a family with parents and grandparents who are what I like to call "hardcore music fans." My father would travel the world following his favorite bands if he could. My parent's musical tastes range from Bonnie Raitt to Justin Bieber to Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, and Taylor Swift. My grandfather has been in the radio
I was luckily born into a family with parents and grandparents who are what I like to call "hardcore music fans." My father would travel the world following his favorite bands if he could. My parent's musical tastes range from Bonnie Raitt to Justin Bieber to Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, and Taylor Swift. My grandfather has been in the radio business his entire life, beginning as a teenage DJ, and my grandmother was a singer in a band. As a result, music, in all forms, has been an essential part of my life since birth. At 18 months old, my mom took me to my first organized music class. I crawled and took my first steps among the drums and maracas as my music teacher jumped around the room, exposing our toddler brains to exciting beats and physical movement. By age five, I was in a group keyboard class, frequently performing with my class and playing for judges. Now as a high school student, I play the piano for pleasure with an excellent teacher, and I choose to learn songs that both interest and challenge me.
My musical journey has been an integral part of my childhood. It has taught me so many skills that carry over into life. Most importantly for me, learning music has taught me patience and perseverance.
As a high school sophomore, I now know not every school or community center is lucky enough to have a music program. I also know that if they do, the lessons or group classes can be expensive. In addition, many parents do not have the time to take their kids to classes because they are working, even on the weekends.
My co-founder and friend Jackson Heise and I take lessons from the same piano teacher, attend the same high school, and live down the street from one another. We were also both lucky enough to have music exposure beginning as toddlers. We want this for more children! We know there is a way to bring music to more children in our community, and we want to make it happen!