In 1997, Margaret Martin had a life-changing moment while her 5-year-old son performed Brahms on the violin at the Hollywood Farmers Market. A group of teenage boys gathered around them, and Martin felt apprehensive, but she soon realized that the teens were simply drawn to the music, which deeply touched her.
This encounter inspired Martin to create the Harmony Project, an initiative to foster positive growth for at-risk youth through music education and performance.
Significant challenges mark Martin’s journey; she has overcome domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness. Despite these hardships, she pursued higher education in Social Science, earning both a master’s and a doctoral degree from UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health by age 43.
The experience at the farmer’s market motivated her to ensure others could access educational opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. “I see it as a human rights issue because I believe every child who comes to school deserves a full education,” Martin asserts.
Her academic research highlighted how living in impoverished conditions or violent environments could impair a child's brain development and hinder learning. For instance, children of mothers who did not finish high school often faced significant challenges in reading and math.
Martin was convinced that music, particularly collaborative music, could enhance the academic performance of these children. “We refer to it as mentoring through music,” she explains.
The Harmony Project was established on the premise that music education, especially in group settings, could positively impact academic performance. Research on students involved in the Harmony Project revealed improvements in their ability to recognize similar-sounding syllables, a skill closely linked to literacy. Engaging in music affects the brain areas typically less developed in children from disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby strengthening cognitive functions.
Learning music and performing confidently allows these students to apply the discipline and skills gained in music class to other areas of their education, leading to better overall academic performance.
Today, the Harmony Project supports over 2,000 students from low-income areas in Los Angeles. Data indicates that students more involved in the program experience notable improvements in reading scores, while less engaged students do not show the same progress. Additionally, 93% of Harmony Project graduates have enrolled in college over the past decade.
The program's success is evident in the dedication of its participants. Some students commute long distances on weekends to attend, and many former students, like Paolo Sayo, continue to benefit from its impact. Sayo, who joined Harmony Project as a sixth-grader from the Philippines, saw improvements in both his musical skills and academic performance. He is now studying to become a healthcare administrator and continues to mentor current students.
The Harmony Project faces a 2-4-year wait list, prompting Martin to work on expanding the program. The project has garnered national recognition, including the President Obama'sious Coming Up Taller Award from Pre.
Martin hopes that such accolades will help expand Harmony Project across the country, demonstrating that music education can indeed make a significant difference in students' lives.