The Music Clubhouse

An Innovative Arts Program for Instilling Confidence and Inspiring Creativity in Today's Teens

By: Gary Eichhorn, Joan Eichhorn, David Bickel

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Few things excite teens as much as making music. However, developing a contemporary music program that engages them often remains a mystery. But what if there were a proven method for creating and sustaining a music program that reaches teens on their own terms?

The authors had this vision in mind when they launched their first Music Clubhouse in 2004 in Lawrence Massachusetts. The professional staff filled the room with guitars, keyboards, drums, and the latest recording equipment, drawing teens in from the nearby community. Nearly twenty years later, this vision has expanded to 25 Music Clubhouses across America. Along the way, this vibrant program has provided thousands of teens, many of them underserved, with the opportunity to transform their lives through the magic of music making.

“The Music Clubhouse” was written to inspire and guide others who want to create their own arts program for teens, whether it focuses on dance, visual arts, or music (or something else). In addition to detailing the specific steps to setting up a successful music program, the book offers dozens of candid interviews with teens and veteran Music Clubhouse staff.

Engaging even the hardest to reach teens isn’t an impossible task. As “The Music Clubhouse” makes abundantly clear, you just need to hit the right notes.

Q: Who is this book intended for?

A: This book is intended for youth development professionals who want to provide music education for teens and want to attract teens through vibrant music programming that supports building academic and life skills, and the development of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Q: Is this book only about music?

A: No, this book is about using music as a vehicle for youth development. Its goal is to take “the mystery” out of creating and sustaining a music program that inspires personal growth.

Q: How can music be used to engage and impact teen development?

A: When done well, music programming is a magnet that attracts teens and keeps them coming back. This book provides concrete steps on how to think through the process of developing and sustaining a highly impactful music program for teens.

Q: What is the focus of "The Music Clubhouse"?

A: The focus of "The Music Clubhouse" is on using music as a tool for youth development. The authors, who have created more than 25 Music Clubhouses through partnerships with community based organizations, have shared their experiences and knowledge throughout this book. They provide numerous stories of the lives that have been impacted by the Music Clubhouse.

Q: Is this book an academic study or a workbook?

A: This book is not an academic study but it is also not a workbook. The authors discuss at the thought process they used when developing the Music Clubhouse and the lessons they learned along the way.It goes on to explain their practical approach on how to use music to engage and impact teen development.

Q: Can this book be used for developing other teen programs?

A: While the book is about the authors' experiences creating Music Clubhouses, they believe it provides a useful framework for developing other teen programs, particularly arts based programming, both in and out of school.