Shy Violinist to College-Bound Leader: Brianna’s 12 Year Harmony Project Journey
Brianna first joined Harmony Project as a shy violinist, often hidden behind her music stand. Over the next twelve years, she transformed from a student who doubted her own potential into a confident young woman ready to tackle college. Her story perfectly illustrates how music education provides much more than notes and rhythms. Harmony Project comprehensive programming provides the foundation for life-changing personal growth for Los Angeles students.
Brianna at Age 8 (L) and Brianna posing as a senior (R).
Brianna shared that her biggest early challenge was a struggle with self-confidence. "I was capable of so much more than what I was doing at the time," she recalls. "Harmony Project had an encouraging, caring community who pushed me to see my full potential, to value me, and showed me I had a good support system to be open to new opportunities."
Brianna (12) accepting her certificate with excitement from the Interlochen Arts Summer Camp.
The consistent presence of caring mentors and a supportive network of peers became her foundation. As she grew, she broadened her musical journey, learning both the viola and then the flute, embracing the challenges inherent in mastering new instruments. This experience, cultivated by the Harmony Project community, taught her that the dedication required for music could be applied to other areas of her life.
Brianna was not just learning notes, she was learning how new challenges could be opportunities for growth.
The same focus and discipline needed to perfect a difficult piece of music were the skills Brianna leaned on when facing the college application process. She found that learning an instrument was "empowering," providing comfort and proof that she could overcome any barrier.
Brianna performing during Harmony Project Honors Orchestra practice.
"Learning how to play an instrument has taught me that I am stronger than I think I am," she says. This internal shift allowed her to navigate tedious academic challenges with perseverance. Today, she approaches her future with the certainty that the skills she built through music, from practice room patience to performance-day confidence, will guide her to success in college.
Brianna’s journey is a powerful testament to the life-changing mentorship and opportunity that Harmony Project provides thanks to its supporters.
About Harmony Project:
Harmony Project is a nonprofit that provides high-quality music instruction and social support to children year-round at no cost throughout community hubs in Los Angeles. As one of Los Angeles’ largest music education organizations, Harmony Project is dedicated exclusively to serving children from low-income families and under-resourced communities. Harmony Project envisions a world in which all students have equal access to opportunities to learn how to play music and the resources needed to thrive in college and beyond. Harmony Project’s holistic approach to student success has resulted in impressive outcomes with 98 percent of the graduating high school class accepted to a college or university during the 2024-2025 academic year.