More than music: How a Newport News nonprofit is teaching kids life skills

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — For kids in Newport News, music isn’t just something to listen to– it’s helping them build confidence, learn teamwork, and find their path to success. 

That’s the goal of Soundscapes, a nonprofit making sure students– especially those who might not have access otherwise– get a chance to explore music for free.

“We use music as our tool to reach young people and help them to develop skills that are going to help them to be successful,” said Executive Director Carol Minter. “It is very important that we make the benefits of music available to as many students as possible, and particularly to those who wouldn’t be able to afford an intensive program like ours without us.”

The program started small in 2009 as a single after-school program. Now, it’s running in three schools, introducing kids to instruments they may have never even touched before.

“Every single note that you learn, every chord that you learn, every song that you learn, is a new challenge.” Minter said. “It helps you to work with others who are different from you.”

At Soundscapes, music is just the beginning. The real magic happens in the lessons outside of the instruments– things like discipline, perseverance, and working with others.

The experience is all about discovery for beginners. Students try everything from bucket drumming to digital music production, with teachers keeping things fun and engaging.

“We have to make sure we keep it upbeat as possible,” said Ciara Alexander-Baker, who leads the beginner level. “I make sure I incorporate a lot of songs that they’re familiar with within the lesson.”

As students progress, she said, they not only learn to play but start to develop a sense of self-discipline and responsibility.

“A lot of times, they become so independent. Like, they start keeping themselves accountable,” Alexander-Baker said. “They’re preparing, getting in that mindset to make sure, like, they can handle what’s coming next in the future.”

Some have gone on to earn college scholarships, join the military, or pursue careers in music.

“We know the program works,” Minter said. “We’re helping students to develop their musical skills, but at the same time– and just as important– we’re helping them to develop their social and emotional skills, too.”

And it all starts in the classroom, where kids who play together are growing together.

“I just want them to not give up,” Alexander-Baker said. “You know, that’s one of the things that I like to instill in our students– that whatever you choose to do… just work at it and commit to it and just do your best.”

Soundscapes has plans to reach even more kids across the Peninsula. The nonprofit hopes to create a music education hub to give more students the chance to experience the program.

In the meantime, they’re gearing up for their next big event. On March 5 at 8 p.m., the Peninsula Youth Orchestra will perform side-by-side with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News. It’s free to attend, but you’ll need to reserve tickets in advance here.

To learn more about Soundscapes, click here.