Harmony Project KC, an affiliate of the acclaimed, music-based, youth development program targeting students in underserved areas of Los Angeles, launched in northeast Kansas City in January 2015 and immediately began to impact lives. Each participant learned to read music and/or play an instrument. Two-thirds also raised their grades in English, language arts, or math, and all advanced to the next grade level.

Margaret Martin, who founded the original program in L.A. 15 years ago and received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama in 2015, discusses Harmony Project and the power of music – how it can be used to enable vulnerable children to express themselves with dignity and grace, “tune” their brains, and develop character, citizenship and the habits that foster successful lives.