Become a JMB Referee today!
About
We are so very excited that you are here with us! What started out as a dream to simply help both current and future musicians has grown into an inspiring family of sponsors, donors, volunteers, recipients, and families who share a love for music and helping our provinces children and youth.
We are happy you are here and we want to share information with you so that you can
change the life of a child by becoming a referral source! We wouldn’t be where we are
without our community partners and invite you to come along on the journey.
What we do
Here at Justin’s Musical Bridge we believe that all children and youth, regardless of their socioeconomic status deserve to have the ability to participate in the highest level of professional music lessons available to them. Justin’s Musical Bridge works to reduce the financial barriers future musicians face and aid in child development by:
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Providing the funding for underprivileged children and youth to participate in year long music or voice lessons with an approved
music teacher until they reach 18 years of age
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Providing the musical instrument or renting their chosen instrument for the duration of their participation in lessons
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Covering the cost of transportation and all incidental costs associated with their involvement in music lessons if needed
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Providing a post secondary scholarship to a performing arts student who has had to overcome obstacles and yet demonstrates a pattern of community involvement.
The value of music
Participation in extracurricular activities has a number of benefits for children and youth. By participating in extracurricular activities, children and youth gain invaluable life lessons, experience, and skills that translate to all areas of their lives. Those who participate in extracurricular activities are more likely to become engaged in their academic careers and often see an increased rate of attendance, performance, and graduation. Extracurricular activities help children and youth expand their identity development, bolsters personal growth, and aids in character development. Those who are connected with
extracurricular programs have additional safety nets in place through their relationships with protective adults they encounter and they have additional means to build appropriate relationships with peers. Furthermore, extracurricular activities provide children and youth
with avenues for further volunteer and career opportunities.
According to The Merit School of Music, the extracurricular activity that provides the most benefit to children and youth is that of studying music! In addition to the benefits above, musical involvement strengthens the brain by accelerating brain development, enhancing
fine and gross motor skills, improving executive function and sensory development and results in an elevated IQ and enhanced concentration. Involvement in musical instruction also improves the emotional status of children and youth as it often reduces anxiety and aids in the expression of feelings. Unfortunately, musical involvement is often out of reach for many children and youth due to the financial burdens that come with the cost of instruments, instrument rentals, associated incidental costs (books, performances, transportation, etc), and the lessons themselves. We are here to remove that barrier.
