Own Your Sound
Professional instruction.
State-of-the-art studios.
Zero cost.
Turner Foundation Music & Imagination opens doors for young musicians ready to grow, create, and perform.
*Video walkthrough of studio
Key Changemakers
Our Mission
The mission of the Turner Foundation Music & Imagination program (TFMI) is to foster intellectual engagement and growth by actively engaging young peoples' imagination through music.
We believe that by providing free access to professional music studios, high quality instruments, music education, and committed instructors that young people will become creatively, emotionally and intellectually stronger musicians while creating a healthy foundation for later success.
Our Programs
Music Exploration
One-on-One Music Instruction
Personalized music instruction tailored to each student’s musical goals and learning styles. Whether your child is picking up their first instrument or looking to advance their skills, our instructors provide training in both technique and music theory. Students develop as complete musicians while preparing for to participate in our Youth Blues & Jazz Band. (Required of all students enrolled in One-on-One Instruction.)
Age Range: 8-18 years old
Length: Semester-long (with option to continue)
Skill Level: All levels (beginner to advanced)
Waitlist Status: Yes - high demand for private lessons
Instruments Available: Piano, guitar, drums, bass, trumpet, and voice
Take your music to the next level in our three professional-grade recording facilities. Following the pandemic, TFMI created Santa Barbara's first-ever Open-Air Music Studio, complementing our two existing state-of-the-art studios located in The Village and The Lighthouse Community Learning Centers. Each facility features professional instruments including acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, drum kits, pianos, amplifiers, and cutting-edge recording equipment.
Thanks to partnerships with SONOS and the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, our studios are equipped with nearly $10,000 worth of professional music gear and state-of-the-art SONOS speaker systems. Students have 24/7 access to set up their instruments, hit record, and bring their creative visions to life—whether recording original songs, producing music videos, or experimenting with sound production techniques. This is where musical ideas become reality and students experience what it's like to be professional recording artists.
Age Range: 10-18 years old (Volunteers have access)
Time Commitment: Flexible access (when enrolled in TFMI)
Class Size: 2-6 students per session (collaborative recording)
Length: Ongoing access throughout semester
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (requires basic instrument skills)
Waitlist Status: Booking required for studio time
Professional Music Studio
Perfect for young musicians just starting their journey. This hands-on workshop introduced students to the magic of music through play, experimentation, and discovery. Students explore different instruments, learn the basics of rhythm and melody, and build confidence in a supportive group setting. No prior. experience needed-just curiosity and enthusiasm for music.
Age Range: 6-12 years old
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week
Class Size: 8-12 students
Length: Semester-long
Skill Level: Beginner (entry-level)
Waitlist Status: Limited spots available
Youth Blues & Jazz Band
Our premier ensemble experience where students put their skills into action alongside their peers in either A Combo or B Combo bands. This performance-focused program allows students to explore blues and jazz styles while teaching the art of playing together-from listening and responding to bandmates to commanding the stage during live performances.
Age Range: 10-18 years old
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (rehearsals)
Class Size: 6-8 students per combo (A Combo and B Combo)
Length: Semester-long
Skill Level: Intermediate (requires some instrument experience)
Waitlist Status: Yes - must complete One-on-One instruction first
Music Enrichment Excursions
Real-world musical experiences that can’t be replicated in the classroom. Students visit professional recording studios, attend live performances by touring artists, participate in masterclasses with professional musicians, and explore music venues throughout Santa Barbara. These experiences broaden musical horizons, career inspiration, and fun memories for students.
Age Range: 8-18 years old
Time Commitment: Full day trips (2-3 excursions per semester)
Class Size: 12-20 students per trip
Skill Level: All levels welcome
Waitlist Status: Popular trips fill quickly
Destinations: Professional recording studios, concert venues, music festivals, and artist workshops
Our Team
Turner Foundation Music & Imagination thrives because of the passionate individuals who bring music education to life every day. Led by our staff and supported by talented volunteer instructors, TFMI creates transformative experiences for young musicians across Santa Barbara's Westside.
The Heart of TFMI
Our Volunteer Instructor Community
TFMI is powered by an incredible team of volunteer instructors—working musicians, music educators, and passionate community members who believe music changes lives. These dedicated volunteers are the backbone of our program, making free, professional-quality music education possible for every student.
The Impact They Make:
Through their consistent weekly presence, our volunteers create mentorship relationships that go further than simply teaching technique. They witness breakthrough moments, celebrate achievements, and help students discover not just musical skills, but confidence to grow past their limitations.
Volunteer Benefits:
Access to professional studios and equipment for personal musical projects
Community building through mixer events with fellow local musicians
Snack and refreshments provided during teaching sessions
Watching students grow musically and personally
Interested in Becoming an Instructor? Join our team
TFMI thrives through collaboration with an incredible network of community partners, sponsors, and organizations who believe in the power of music education. These partnerships allow us to offer completely free programming while maintaining professional standards, making high-quality music instruction possible for every student in our community.
Partnerships and Donors
Are you interested in learning a new instrument?
Click here to apply
FAQs
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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