Support SoundCheck Youth Arts!
Toronto's first Black-Led Musician Community Centre.
Our programs support well-being, resiliency and social-inclusion amongst black musicians impacted by Covid-19, through black-led music workshops informed with an anti-black racism practice.
Why Support Our Cause?
We want to continue offering an encouraging atmosphere where youth can develop and thrive through music, mentorship and performance that helps youth develop their musical proficiency, positive identities and leadership skills, all within a safe learning environment!
Our mission
Provide marginalized youth with opportunities to develop musical proficiency, positive identities and leadership skills within a safe learning environment through musical instruction, mentorship and performance.
How can you help?
Our programs combat negative mental health outcomes facing the black community, especially those heightened by Covid-19 (i.e. increased anxiety, depression, paranoia, social isolation etc.) by strengthening social connections amongst black youth and musicians through digital and in-person music programming. Here is how you can support our work:
Your support allows us to continue to provide:
Opportunities for black and marginalized youth to develop their musical proficiency, positive identities and leadership skills.
A physical space to meet the recording, performance and rehearsal needs of black and marginalized musicians in the GTA – that is accessible and free of charge!
Free music and mentorship program opportunities.
A safe learning environment at our creative and collaborative hub.
InstruMENTAL Health Day - A Special Giving Tuesday Fundraising Event
In 2022 SoundCheck joined the #GivingTuesday movement that took place globally on November 29th, 2022 and hosted our first-ever annual InstruMENTAL Health Day. The event featured:
- Panel discussions around mental health and well-being in the musician community, with some of Toronto’s most affluent musicians including: Desarae Dee, Juwayon Clarke and Marc Manhertz
- Live music and performances from program participants and alumni
- Free food and refreshments courtesy of GC Express Jerk
- Giveaways including a FREE keyboard courtesy of Long & McQuade
Thanks to all of the community’s collective support, we were able to raise $429.63 to support the well-being, resiliency and social-inclusion amongst black musicians through our free and accessible music and mentorship programs.
What's Next?
As we look forward this year and beyond, SoundCheck will be continuing to run our InstruMENTAL Health Campaign! Our InstruMENTAL Health Campaign focuses on educating our audiences on both the harsh realities faced by our community as it pertains to mental health, as well as SoundCheck’s commitment to realizing change through our untiring work. Help us reach our $5,000 goal by spreading the word and joining the #instrumentalhealth conversation!
In addition to our InstruMENTAL Health campaign, we provide year-round support by offering free music and mentorship programs where our participants receive access to high-quality musical instruments, experienced teachers, and a safe space to develop and thrive. With your continued support, our children and youth will experience a safe and welcoming learning environment, meaningful mentorship sessions, expanded skills and knowledge, and a sense of ambition and optimism.
We would love to keep you in the loop with updates on our campaign as well as future programming and events to come in 2023. We welcome you to visit us at www.soundcheckyouth.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @soundcheckyouth for the latest news and updates.