AFA Student Stories: Real Journeys, Real Growth

Welcome to AFA Student Stories, where we share the inspiring journeys of our students at Arts For All. Every student we work with brings a unique story, filled with dedication, resilience, and a deep love for music. Whether it's learning an instrument to overcome personal challenges, building confidence through performance, or finding a creative outlet, our students make incredible strides each day.

Finding His Voice: Caleb’s Story

For years, Caleb’s father had grown accustomed to his son’s quiet demeanor. Caleb, on the autism spectrum, rarely spoke to anyone outside of the family—not even to say hello. Social settings felt overwhelming, and Caleb preferred his own company, leaving his father wondering if he’d ever find a place where Caleb could express himself.

Then came the drum lessons. What started as a tentative step into music quickly became a transformative experience. Caleb’s instructor, Jesse, didn’t just teach Caleb how to keep rhythm; he connected with him on a deep, personal level. Week by week, Caleb began to open up, his confidence growing along with his drumming skills.

Soon, the unthinkable happened. Caleb wanted to perform in a concert. His father was astonished and deeply moved. Caleb’s once-quiet world was now alive with music and possibility, and for the first time, he found himself excited to share it with others. “Jesse’s word is the word of God,” Caleb often says, a tribute to the bond they’ve formed.

For Caleb and his family, music was more than just an outlet—it became a home.

Finding Rhythm: A Mother's Journey from Struggle to Hope

For years, she watched her son struggle. He was bright, full of energy, and bursting with potential, but his ADD and frustration made it hard for him to find his place. He couldn’t sit still in class, and his frequent outbursts created rifts with classmates. He felt like he didn’t belong, and after countless attempts at different therapies, sports, and hobbies, his mother began to fear he’d never find an outlet where he could channel his energy in a positive way.

Then, she discovered Danman's Music School & Arts For All. Desperate for a change, she signed him up for drum lessons, hoping that maybe, just maybe, the rhythm and structure of music could reach him where other solutions had failed. At first, he approached the drums cautiously, unsure of what to expect. But week by week, as his hands found the beat and his feet kept pace, something remarkable happened. The anger that had once bubbled over found a new outlet in each powerful strike of the drum.

With his instructor’s guidance and AFA’s encouragement, he began to transform. His mother watched, astonished, as the music replaced his frustration with focus. The once-frequent outbursts dwindled, replaced by quiet, steady progress. At school, he started connecting with other students, sharing his love for drums and finding his way socially, something she had once only dreamed of for him.

The change was undeniable. Music, in its steady rhythm, gave her son a lifeline, a way to express himself that words and actions couldn’t. For his mother, the transformation was profound. “Music became a gift,” she said, “and it gave us back hope.” Through AFA, her son didn’t just find a new skill; he discovered a new way to see himself—one beat at a time.

The Harmony of Togetherness: How Music Brought One Family Out of Isolation

For years, the house was filled with tension. With three children who all struggled with social anxiety, even their time together often became another source of friction. Whether it was squabbles over chores, arguments about who got the last piece of dessert, or the quiet resentment simmering beneath their conversations, their mother often wondered if they’d ever feel truly connected as a family. With the kids keeping mostly to themselves and each struggling to find their own place, family activities were rare, and the family spent much of their time isolated.

Then, one day, she discovered Arts For All. On a whim, she signed up all three of her children for music lessons, each with a different instrument to suit their personalities: drums for her son with boundless energy, bass for her contemplative middle daughter, and guitar for her youngest, who was gentle but curious. She hoped, at best, that the lessons might simply give them something to look forward to—a moment of joy in their week.

From the very first lesson, the change was noticeable. Her son came home after his drum lesson buzzing with excitement, his usual tension replaced by a newfound energy he could barely contain. He shared every detail about his instructor, the drumsticks, the beats he was learning. For the first time in what felt like ages, his sisters sat quietly, listening with genuine interest, sparking a rare moment of harmony in their household.

As the weeks went by, music became a shared language for the siblings. Rather than spending time in separate rooms, they began gathering in the living room to practice together, experimenting with melodies and rhythms. Without realizing it, they were forming a small family band. Their mother started to hear laughter and the occasional “Let’s try that part again” echoing down the hallway. Arguments were replaced with conversations about who would play what part, and they even began planning little “concerts” for their parents, surprising them with everything from practice songs to original tunes.

Soon, the family started attending AFA sessions together, eagerly anticipating their next lesson. Watching her children create music together and cheer each other on, their mother felt a pride she’d never imagined. Their home transformed from a place of silent frustration to one filled with melodies and laughter. The kids’ individual anxieties didn’t disappear, but through music, they discovered a sense of unity that made each of them feel safe, understood, and less alone.

Now, they eagerly sign up for every recital, performing with a confidence that extends beyond the stage and into their daily lives. For this family, Arts For All didn’t just provide lessons—it gave them a new way to communicate, a means to connect, and a joyful reminder that, even with their challenges, they could find harmony together.

From Isolation to Inspiration: Bryce Hansen's Story and the Birth of Arts For All

Growing up, I was never the fastest or strongest. I was always the last kid picked for games during recess. Each week in gym class, we ran a mile, and each week, I was last, sometimes finishing double the time of the kid before me. My gym teacher, the supervisors, and even my family thought I was just lazy or unmotivated. But deep down, I felt something else was wrong, a feeling I couldn’t explain. It took my gym teacher noticing my deteriorating mile time to suggest I see a doctor.

At age 11, I was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), a degenerative neurological disease that affects nerves in the hands and feet. My doctor recommended surgery to rearrange the tendons in my feet to slow the effects of the condition. After waking up from surgery, I remember swinging my legs over the hospital bed, eager to stand—and collapsing to the ground. I had to learn to walk again. Six weeks of grueling physical therapy followed, each day filled with pain as I fought to regain my balance and strength.

Once I was able to walk again, I tried to return to football with my friends, thinking I’d finally get back to normal. My first game back, I was wide open and scored a touchdown. But the campus supervisor promptly pulled me aside, declaring that I wasn’t allowed to play. She banned me from the field, and, despite sneaking back on a few times, the restrictions finally became permanent. That was the last time I ever played football.

Losing football felt like losing my place with my friends, and I spent most of my time alone. At school, I tried new hobbies and joined band, where I was assigned the clarinet. Music intrigued me, but with one instructor for dozens of kids, I quickly fell behind, pretending to play during performances. The sense of isolation deepened. A failed attempt at guitar lessons later on left me even more disheartened as my instructor grew frustrated with my lack of coordination, making me feel I wasn’t cut out for music either.

My world shifted one morning when I stumbled upon an old baby grand piano in my living room. It was dusty, out of tune, and a little beat-up, but as I pressed a key, the vibration resonated through my bones. I couldn’t stop playing, experimenting with sounds and melodies. For the first time, I felt a sense of calm and joy that I hadn’t known. Music became my sanctuary—a place where my past struggles and future worries faded into the background.

Needing guidance, I turned to a local music school, Danman’s Music, where I was paired with an instructor, Sye Sharp. Sye believed in me, teaching me with patience and encouragement. His approach transformed my relationship with music, and soon, I started to believe in myself. This confidence spilled over into other areas of my life. I started working out daily, set new goals, and met a friend at the gym who helped me build a strength program tailored to my abilities. My disability no longer defined me; I was breaking free of the limits it had set on me.

Through music, I found a new purpose. My life felt full of possibility, but I knew others might never get the same chance. Reading that nearly 90% of California schools lack mandated arts programs was a turning point for me. I thought of the kids who, like me, might feel isolated or defeated but had no outlet to find their voice. I realized then that I wanted to create a space where disadvantaged youth could access the life-changing power of music.

So, at age 22, I founded Arts For All, a nonprofit with a mission to empower youth by offering access to professional music lessons, fostering creativity, confidence, and connection. We started small, building partnerships with Danman’s Music and other local organizations to offer lessons at discounted rates. In December 2023, we expanded our program with Stillwater Spirits & Sounds, providing students with the chance to perform live in front of an audience. It was thrilling to see these kids conquer stage fright and experience the joy of music.

Today, our program includes families like the Johnsons, a family of seven with three children who face their own unique challenges. All three kids have been taking lessons through Arts For All, forming their own family band and performing at our recitals. Their mother told us, 'The joy of your lessons has enriched our family life. The kids talk all week about their next session. It has been a blessing in our lives.'

Music didn’t just change my life; it saved it. And now, through Arts For All, I’m committed to helping other kids find their own transformations. We’ve set a goal to fund 100 students through our “Spread The Music Initiative,” providing each of them with 20 weeks of lessons and a final concert experience to showcase their growth. As I like to say, my disability may be physical, but for many kids, the barrier is financial. Our goal is to remove that barrier, one student at a time.

So, thank you for being part of this journey with me. Together, we’re not just spreading music—we’re spreading hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging for kids who need it most."

Marco Hashemi: A Young Guitar Prodigy Making Waves

At just five years old, Marco Hashemi is already a guitar prodigy, displaying talent and passion beyond his years. Born to a Persian family from Iran, Marco's journey with music began early, and he’s been a part of the Arts For All program for less than a year. Yet, in this short time, he has stunned audiences and instructors alike with his mastery of the guitar. Marco’s skill level rivals that of many seasoned adults, and his growth has been so exceptional that we paired him with one of our top instructors, Jesse.

Jesse, a veteran music teacher with over 20 years of experience, describes Marco’s ability with awe: “In my two decades of teaching students ages 4 to 90, I have never seen such raw talent, enthusiasm, and style on an instrument. Marco is a freak of nature.” Marco’s talent truly shines with his extensive chord knowledge — he knows more chords than he does words! — and his confidence on stage, where he always dons his signature tuxedo. In his two performances for Arts For All, Marco has captivated audiences, embodying the poise and professionalism of a much older performer.

Our founder, Bryce Hansen, recognizes Marco's potential and often invites him to perform at local community events. Audiences can’t help but be amazed by the young boy strumming the guitar like a seasoned musician, captivating listeners with his effortless skill. With a growing fan base of over 18,000 followers on Instagram, Marco is well on his way to becoming a household name.

Marco’s family shares their gratitude for Arts For All: “Who knows where Marco would be on guitar without the Arts For All program?” Their words highlight the impact of our mission to nurture young talent and create opportunities for students to thrive in the arts. Marco Hashemi’s story is one of boundless talent, dedication, and the magic that happens when a young person is given the tools to grow and shine. A true legend in the making, Marco's journey with Arts For All is just beginning.

Bianca Brandi: A Life of Passion, Healing, and Dedication Through Music

Bianca Brandi, a fearless performer with a heart of gold, has devoted her life to sharing the healing power of music with those who need it most. Growing up as a high achiever, Bianca found her passion for music early on, mastering the piano and performing the national anthem at community events by age 8. Her dedication to music only deepened over the years, becoming a source of peace and resilience as she faced the loss of loved ones. Music was her sanctuary, and she discovered its therapeutic power as it helped her navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.

Graduating from UCLA with a focus on music therapy and psychology, Bianca pursued her calling by working full-time with Strategic Kids, where she supported children on the autism spectrum. Inspired by her nonverbal younger brother, who responds profoundly to music, Bianca brings a unique empathy to her work, creating environments where children feel safe and empowered. Her dedication to helping others reach their full potential drives her every day.

Today, Bianca is a beloved instructor at Arts For All, where her students look up to her as both a mentor and friend. Known for her fearless stage presence, she encourages her students to embrace their own performances with confidence, helping them overcome stage fright and express themselves. Her gentle, caring nature makes her an irreplaceable part of the Arts For All family, and her students often say she feels like a best friend or big sister.

Beyond teaching, Bianca uses her experience from UCLA to coordinate and direct Arts For All’s volunteer program, ensuring every volunteer is welcomed and supported as they bring music to even more children. With her unwavering passion, resilience, and kindness, Bianca Brandi continues to inspire everyone around her, embodying the transformative power of music and the spirit of community at Arts For All.

Zoe Zehren: From Overcoming Dyslexia to Transforming Lives Through Music

Zoe Zehren, our Chief Marketing Officer at Arts For All, has dedicated her life to bringing the gift of music to underserved youth across California. But behind her infectious smile and boundless energy lies a personal story of resilience and determination. Growing up with dyslexia, Zoe faced significant challenges in school and beyond. Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects the brain’s ability to process language, made reading and organizing information incredibly difficult. From a young age, she struggled to keep up in classes, often feeling left behind and misunderstood. As an adult, dyslexia continued to present obstacles, making traditional jobs and organizational tasks challenging to maintain.

Fortunately, Zoe had one place where she felt at home: music. Her father, a talented musician, recognized her potential and provided her with classical training. Music became her refuge, a space where she could express herself freely without the limitations dyslexia placed on her. She excelled in her studies, finding joy in the rhythm and harmony that transcended words on a page. Through music, she developed unique ways of understanding and organizing information, focusing on colors, patterns, and numbers—methods that helped her learn quickly and effectively.

Today, Zoe’s journey has come full circle. As the CMO of Arts For All, she uses her personal experience and creative approaches to inspire and teach children who face their own challenges. Her bright, bubbly personality and genuine warmth make her an instant favorite among students, who see her not just as a teacher but as a friend and mentor. With her innovative teaching methods, Zoe helps each child connect with music in a way that suits their own learning style. She designs lessons that rely on colors, visual cues, and numerical patterns, guiding students to progress at remarkable speeds.

Zoe’s passion and empathy have made her a cornerstone of the Arts For All community. Always going above and beyond, she’s a dedicated advocate for her students, demonstrating every day that a disability doesn’t define one’s potential. Instead, she proves that challenges can become strengths, sparking creativity and connection that enriches the lives of everyone around her.

89% of California schools do not provide visual/media arts, dance, theater and music classes mandated by law.