Q: What kinds of kids do you serve?

A: AMP only serves youth staying at Station 7, a shelter for runaway youth. Station 7 serves children age 11 thru 17. Most often, a child is at Station 7 to escape an abusive situation at home. Counselors at Station 7 provide family reconciliation services, to reunite the family when possible.

Q: What is your agenda?

A: The only agenda is to provide youth at Station 7 with a positive and enriching musical experience. There are no religious or political messages conveyed.

Q: What instruments do you teach?

A: Electric guitar, electric bass guitar, keyboards, acoustic piano, acoustic guitar, snare drum, and occasionally, vocals.

Q: How do you ensure the kids are safe during the lessons?

A: Every volunteer must pass an FBI background check, attend an AMP orientation, and get approved by a manager at Station 7. At least two volunteers are on site during the lessons, so youth are rarely left alone in a room with an adult. All lessons are provided at Station 7, which always has professional staff on hand during the lesson times. Most of the teaching occurs in a large, open room.

Q: Does giving music lessons really make a difference?

A: Yes, even if we see a kid only once, we can introduce them to an instrument, teach them a song, and make them realize that they can indeed do something that initially looks very difficult.

Q: Have you asked the local music stores for help?

A: Yes, and they have done the best they can to help. They receive countless donation requests each year, and we feel fortunate to have received the assistance we have. We try to support the local stores that do contribute by purchasing gear from them with donated funds.

Q: How does your partnership with the youth shelter work?

A: Station 7 provides the physical space, the FBI background checks, volunteer screening, and of course, the youth. AMP provides the teachers, instruments, and access to a variety of resources such as recording studios and local bands.

Q: How many kids do you serve each week?

A: Occasionally, there are no kids in the shelter. Most often, there are at least two, and sometimes as many as seven that want lessons on a given Saturday morning. On a typical Saturday, we would expect three youth to be interested in receiving music lessons.

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: Between $2,000 and $4,000 per year, depending on how many youth are served.  AMP continues to grow and prosper, and youth participation is steadily increasing. During the first year of the program, AMP served an average of one to two teens each week.  In early 2005, AMP served an average of eight youth each week.

Q: Who are the mentors?

A: The mentors are local musicians interested in teaching music to youth. Most have years of experience performing in bands and teaching private students. All mentors receive training in working with in-risk teens, and have passed FBI background checks.

Q: This program sounds great! Can I bring my kid in for free lessons?

A: No. AMP is designed to serve youth who are currently staying at Looking Glass Station 7, or have stayed there recently. We can however, help you locate an instructor for private lessons.