Youth Music Production
& DJ Program

Give a Beat reaches hundreds of young people annually in partnership with organizations who specialize in collaborating with system-impacted youth.

Since 2015, Give a Beat has been dedicated to delivering music production and DJ programs to youth aged 11-26 in underserved communities and high-stress environments. As a member of the Arts for Healing & Justice Network, our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders, redirect lives, and contribute to transforming the juvenile justice system.

Through music and the arts as tools for prevention and expression, we help youth discover their talents, build self-esteem, and strengthen resilience in the face of racial and economic injustice. Shared creative practice builds camaraderie among participants, creating opportunities for peer leadership and a sense of belonging that extends beyond the program.

Our Youth Music Production & DJ Program operates in juvenile halls across Los Angeles County, as well as parks in partnership with LA County Parks & Recreation's DJ Academy. The trauma-informed curriculum builds technical skills, life skills, and business acumen that apply across career, educational, and social pathways.

Building Self-Esteem
Creative Self-Expression
Redirecting Lives

In Their Own Words

"We've got your back more than anyone else that comes in here. You're the program that's most consistent and treats us the best."

— Youth, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
"We need more programs like this in here."

— Youth, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
"I'll do my best to not get in trouble so I can stay in the program."

— Youth, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall
"I'd probably be running the streets if I hadn't heard about this program. I'm glad I have a space where I can be creative and keep me from getting locked up."
"I have not been able to listen to music like this since I got here. Thank you."

— Youth, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
During a Mexican folk song sing-along: "It was cool to see students bonding over their heritage rather than their gang affiliation."

— Teaching Artist, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
"The first thing I'm gonna do when I get out is get one of these DJ controllers!"

— Youth, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
"This class helps my brain to relax and calm down."

— Youth on the Autism Spectrum
"This is my favorite program."

— Youth, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
"I want you to know that you guys coming here is really appreciated. We are really going through it in here, but to have this music really helps a lot. Thank you."

— Youth, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall

Stories from Our Blog

Blog

The Power of Music at Give a Beat: Transforming Lives at Los Padrinos

Discover how Give a Beat's Youth Music Production & DJ Program at Los Padrinos transforms lives through the power of music. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and personal growth, we empower youth impacted by the justice system to express themselves and envision brighter futures. Join us in nurturing resilient communities through art and compassion.

Youth Empowerment through Music: Doug’s Inspiring Story

Discover Doug's inspiring journey in the Youth Music Production and DJ Program at Give a Beat, where his genuine enthusiasm and creativity shine through, showcasing the transformative power of music and creative expression.

Unlocking Potential and Empowering Youth through Music: Woody’s Journey with Give a Beat

Unlocking Potential and Empowering Youth through Music: Follow Woody's inspirational journey with Give a Beat's Youth Music Production & DJ Program. Discover how music education is shaping a brighter future for system-involved youth in Los Angeles.

Harmony in Mental Health: Our Dedication to Youth Well-Being

Discover how Youth Mental Health First Aid Training equips the Teaching Artists to better support young program participants struggling with mental health and crises. Learn about our collaboration with inspiring organizations like No Easy Props and Inside Out Writers and the impact of music-based interventions in improving mental health outcomes for adolescents and young adults.

Turning Up the Tempo for Justice & Healing

Our Youth Music Production and DJing Program offers young people a chance to explore their creativity and utilize music as a means to promote social change and transform lives. Read more and join Give a Beat for Youth Justice Action Month as we strive to inspire justice through the healing power of music.

From Program Participant to Teaching Artist: JayCee’s Inspiring Journey with Fresh Tracks

JayCee’s journey from incarceration to becoming a Teaching Artist showcases resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. Through programs like Fresh Tracks, Give a Beat highlights how music and the arts foster positive emotional outlets, creative expression, and empowerment for youth facing racial and economic injustices.

Empowering Youth Through Creative Expression: Celebrating Fresh Tracks Program Graduation

Providing diverse opportunities in art and music for underserved youth, read how two participants found hope and inspiration throughout the program

Empowering the Next Generation of Music Professionals

Give a Beat's youth program provides hope for a student in juvenile hall.

Giving Youth A Chance to Shine in Music Production and DJing

Our Youth Music Production & DJ Program provides safe and engaging spaces for system-impacted youth to explore their creativity.

A Fresh Beat

Youth Music Production & DJ Program gains new ground!

Youth Music Production & DJ Program

Give a Beat reaches hundreds of young people annually in partnership with organizations who specialize in collaborating with system-impacted youth.

Building Self-Esteem

Creative Self-Expression

Redirecting Lives

"We've got your back more than anyone else that comes in here. You're the program that's most consistent and treats us the best."

"We need more programs like this in here."

"I'll do my best to not get in trouble so I can stay in the program."

"I'd probably be running the streets if I hadn't heard about this program. I'm glad I have a space where I can be creative and keep me from getting locked up."

"I have not been able to listen to music like this since I got here. Thank you."

During a Mexican folk song sing-along: "It was cool to see students bonding over their heritage rather than their gang affiliation."

"The first thing I'm gonna do when I get out is get one of these DJ controllers!"

"This class helps my brain to relax and calm down."

"This is my favorite program."

"I want you to know that you guys coming here is really appreciated. We are really going through it in here, but to have this music really helps a lot. Thank you."

Stories from Our Blog

Give a Beat

Youth Music Production
& DJ Program