Wiley, a high school junior in Pasadena, has been volunteering with ETM-LA since June 2024. Lending his musical knowledge and photography skills to events and programs, he reflects on his experiences with music and volunteering below.

How has music and arts education impacted your life? 

Music has always played an important role in my life, and I’ve been lucky enough to have lots of education and resources available to me. When I was 4, I started taking piano lessons. Though I didn’t always enjoy it, my parents and teachers continued to expose me to music, and soon I began to seek out instruments and music lessons. Now, in high school, I play multiple instruments in bands that play jazz, rock, and pop. Playing, writing, producing, and listening to music give me so much energy every day, and I can’t imagine what my life would look like without it. I hope someday that every kid has that same kind of access. When I found ETM-LA, I felt that giving my time would be a perfect way to better the LA music community, using my privilege for good.

Tell us about your Impact Project with ETM-LA. 

The members of my band, Birdhouse, and I are working with ETM-LA this spring to host a fundraising event that we hope will inspire elementary students, connect high school bands with the organization, and help fund the summer music program. It’s been incredibly exciting to work with the ETM-LA staff; they are all so supportive of our project and passionate about the mission of the organization.

Can you highlight your experience volunteering at ETM-LA’s 2024 Summer Music Program?

My first experience with ETM-LA was at the summer program, taking pictures and helping teachers with miscellaneous things. My favorite part of that experience was hanging out with the students—they’re so funny and committed to learning music. I’m planning to be a part of the program this year as well, and I look forward to finding out what music the kids have been making this year!

Why do you believe in ETM-LA’s mission – providing music as a comprehensive subject as part of the core curriculum for every student in under-resourced schools?

Music is fun, builds discipline and community, and is a great resource for creative expression. But it’s not only those things—music and art are essential elements of human society. Over the course of my time volunteering with ETM-LA, I’ve come to realize this by reading research and theory about music and music education and by seeing firsthand how much students are drawn to making music, even if it’s something they’ve never done before.

Why do you volunteer with ETM-LA? 

I don’t just volunteer with ETM-LA to give back to the community; it also provides me with opportunities to practice photography and teaching, to perform, and to gain organizational and networking skills. I’m so glad I’m able to contribute to ETM-LA’s mission, and I’m excited for projects and events to come!

Follow Wiley on Instagram @wileyaldenmusic