LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — From the cheerful sounds of tiny tambourines to the joyful strum of strings, The Youth Center’s Music Academy is striking an impactful chord throughout the community and district. This program is hosted by The Youth Center and is held daily after school at the Los Alamitos Unified School District elementary school campuses: McGaugh, Rossmoor, Lee, Los Alamitos Elementary, Hopkinson and Weaver. Additionally, beyond the typical after-school classes, The Youth Center provides Saturday String Classes for all musical levels—beginning, intermediate and advanced. 

The Music Academy offers a wide range of classes in band and strings at varying levels, and even provides Music Appreciation classes for students in TK and Kindergarten. Music Appreciation classes are introductory level and focus on singing, dancing and hands-on exploration with various instruments. For many of these young scholars, this class is their first exposure to music instruction and it will help them build a lifelong love for music.

Each fun and imaginative class allows students to test their strengths in a creative and safe environment, fostering education. Students learn how to play instruments, as well as grow in their confidence and gain social skills that will carry them throughout their musical careers and lives. 

“There is so much importance in allowing students to test their strengths creatively, and music education provides the perfect opportunity for that,” said Music Academy teacher Janet Cisneros.

In April 2025, Music Academy students made meaningful memories during their showcase at the All-District Band and Orchestra events at Los Alamitos High School. The district concert combined various skill levels, instruments and classes to create a spectacular performance that portrayed the students’ talents.

Many of their students performed for the first time, marking an important milestone in their musical journeys. The audience greatly appreciated the progression from younger musicians to older musicians, showcasing their various skills and abilities. 

“Being able to perform and learn in a group setting provides students with skills that will contribute to their growth in middle school and high school,” said Cisneros.

Although the music classes occurring this school year have come to a close, each class will return for the upcoming school year; parents can register their students through The Youth Center’s website.

Signing students up for The Youth Center’s Music Academy provides more benefits than just learning notes and rhythms; it is about developing passion, creativity and a lifelong desire to discover.

Alizabeth Martin is a marketing intern for The Youth Center.