After School Music Clubs

The music mentor clubs meet after school and help connect students to another positive school experience outside of the classroom setting. Clubs start in the 4th grade and continue through high school, giving the older students a chance to learn mentorship skills when working with younger students. Clubs range in size from 6-15 students. Every student that needs an instrument is given one they can keep or donate back if they choose to help someone new get started. Each club participates in a “Purpose Event” at the end of the school year to support a local charity. P4P currently independently operates club locations at the Moravia and Southern Cayuga School Districts. 

Summer Camp

Our first Perform 4 Purpose Summer Music Camp was held in summer of 2013.  This camp offers lessons in brass, woodwind, percussion, and guitar during a week-long day camp. Experiences at the camp are centered on a community-oriented approach to music making (in other words, making music with others!) with the goal of contributing to the local community based on the Perform 4 Purpose model. Campers form mini bands with the leadership of a student mentors, and perform at the end of the week in a concert that raises money for a local organization.

Library and Community Workshops

Perform 4 Purpose Workshops are held at venues throughout the community.  Sessions ranging from one to six weeks are held, during which time participants can learn how to play the ukulele, guitar, and various hand percussion instruments.  Workshop models range from basic exposure to instruments and music to performing at an end of a workshop concert.  Sessions have been held in collaboration with the Hazard Library, Groton Public Library, Port Byron Library, Champions for Life, and the City of Auburn Parks. In 2025, our Hazard Library workshop was made possible with funds from Auburn Public Theater Regrants with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State legislature and administered by Auburn Public Theater.

Live Performance Instruction Workshops at Studio A & Studio Bigs

Developing confidence on stage is our goal for each performer. These performance skills are taught and honed with regular scheduled rehearsal sessions. Workshops are held at our Studio A and Studio Bigs locations where performers are grouped into bands or within instrument disciplines (i.e., strings, voices, etc.). Students work with instructors and mentors to learn skills such as vocal mic technique, audience interaction, and choreographed stage moves. All part of the process for that standing ovation that every child deserves to experience. Through these workshops and rehearsal sessions, the various performance groups that go out into the community are formed and developed. They are open to all kids who participate in any of the various P4P programs.

Additionally, P4P holds an adult workshop, Studio Bigs. Formed in 2023, these groups are led by P4P Alumni, giving them valuable teaching experience, and features some P4P parents along with other adult musicians who would like to further the mission of P4P in the community. As of 2026, we currently have two Studio Bigs groups.

P4P Productions (Stage & Sound Tech Training and Recording at Studio A)

Our P4P Productions program is designed for students who find their niche behind the scenes rather than on stage. Participants receive hands-on technical training in live sound, stage setup, and equipment maintenance, culminating in the opportunity to provide professional audio support for local musicians.

To support the growing number of student songwriters, we provide the opportunity for students to transform original ideas into professional releases. Students learn to record their work in a studio setting while gaining essential music marketing skills to help them navigate the industry and find an audience.

Additionally, we provide professional-grade infrastructure through Studio Bigs and Studio A. While these serve as the primary rehearsal and recording hubs for P4P, they are also available to outside artists via rental or subscription packages. These services include professional sound engineering, mixing, and private event bookings to support the wider music community.

1 to 1 Music Lessons

We recognize that not all students excel in the workshop environment. Some need the benefits of one to one instruction provided in the private lesson format. Selected students will be given scholarships to receive these lesson.