Key Takeaways
- Young Musicians Unite offers free music instruction to 21,000 students across 131 schools in Miami-Dade County.
- The program helps students build teamwork, confidence, and practical life skills alongside musical proficiency.
- Founder Gonzalez Zeira believes music gives children a sense of belonging, stating, “And when they’re part of a music classroom, they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”
Bringing music to Miami students
In Miami-Dade County, thousands of students are discovering the joy of learning an instrument thanks to a local nonprofit. Young Musicians Unite currently provides free music education to approximately 21,000 students across 131 schools, helping to foster community engagement and leadership skills.
The organization partners with schools to offer classes that give children a creative outlet. Gonzalez Zeira, the founder and CEO of the nonprofit, grew up as a musician in Miami and credits his early music education with helping him develop vital life skills. “Kids need a reason to show up to school, and kids need an opportunity to be seen,” Zeira explained. “And when they’re part of a music classroom, they’re part of something bigger than themselves.”
Building skills beyond the classroom
The benefits of the program extend far beyond reading sheet music. Reinaldo Velez, a former student of the program who now teaches classes at Little River K-8, sees the positive social impact firsthand. “It brings some unity to everybody here as well,” Velez said. He noted that students develop character during the lessons, adding, “Personality skills, there’s a lot of traits that can be learned along the way. How to fix an instrument, how to be able to help somebody when they’re in need.”
For the students, the experience is both fun and rewarding. Nine-year-old Jayden Morisseau enjoys the camaraderie and the chance to improve his trumpet skills. “You get a lot of opportunities to go places, and you get better at playing your horns, and also, you got a good teacher that knows a lot of music,” he shared.
Local leaders recognize the value of these artistic opportunities. Danielle Cohen Higgens, a commissioner for Miami-Dade County, praised the initiative. “Young Musicians Unite is an incredible program and their leaders are incredible advocates in our community for connecting our children with the world of arts and what it can do for them and their futures,” she said.
