City Hearts’ Guitar & Songwriting Program offers students a holistic and engaging introduction to music-making through guitar. Blending technique, creativity, and emotional expression, the program explores folk, classical, and contemporary styles while introducing the fundamentals of songwriting as a tool for creative exploration and collaboration. Students build foundational guitar skills, including chord shapes, finger placement, strumming techniques, rhythm, and effective practice routines, while developing greater accuracy, confidence, and musical fluency. As students progress, they are introduced to essential music concepts such as tempo, counting measures, chord progressions, and song structure. Through guided listening activities, students analyze elements of selected songs (including melody, instrumentation, and lyrical themes) while exploring how music can communicate ideas, emotions, and personal experiences. The program encourages self-expression, collaboration, and creative confidence while demonstrating how music can strengthen focus, reduce stress, and build community.

Students strengthen their technical skills, critical thinking, and creative voices while exploring a range of art media and techniques. Projects begin with focused single-medium studies (e.g. tempera, oil pastel, collage) and build toward layered Mixed Media works that foster confidence and artistic independence. Each project is anchored by themes such as community, identity, storytelling, or influential artists and movements, providing meaningful entry points for exploration. Hands-on practice is balanced with visual literacy discussions and technique demonstrations, culminating in an End-of-Year Exhibit or Showcase hosted on each school’s campus.

For students in grades 3 and above, students develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship, listening skills, confidence, and performance skills while exploring the fundamentals of solo and ensemble singing. Through engaging vocal exercises, instruction in music fundamentals, and opportunities to read and perform from sheet music, students build their skills through a variety of vocal repertoire while developing collaboration, discipline, active listening, and shared responsibility.

For TK–2nd grade students, instruction introduces the foundations of music through age-appropriate singing, rhythm, listening skills, musical exploration, and opportunities to engage with instruments. Students develop an early appreciation for music while building confidence, creativity, self-expression, and connection.

Because music-making requires students to listen and respond to one another, Music & Voice provides a strong environment for connection and belonging. Students learn that their individual contributions matter while experiencing the collective accomplishment of creating something together. Programs may culminate in an End-of-Year Performance or Showcase hosted on each school's campus.

Students develop their artistic and technical skills while exploring both traditional and experimental approaches to Photography and Mixed Media Art. Beginning with analog, digital, and camera-less photographic processes, students gain an understanding of composition, light, perspective, and visual storytelling before expanding their work through collage, photomontage, drawing, painting, and other mixed media techniques. Exploring the history of photography and the work of influential photographers and artists, students create projects inspired by themes such as identity, community, and personal narrative, culminating in a portfolio of original artwork and an End-of-Year Exhibit or Showcase hosted on each school's campus.

*After-school only. Invitation after application and interview process.*

The Wilson ‘n William Theatre Program is a one-of-a-kind, conservatory-style, career readiness program that immerses high school students from across Los Angeles County in rigorous theatre training, professional development, and creative exploration. Named in honor of two of the most influential playwrights in history, August Wilson and William Shakespeare, the program uses their works as a foundation for developing advanced acting skills, cultural understanding, and a deeper appreciation for storytelling.

In addition, students explore classical and contemporary stage works, as well as material from television and film, developing versatility across multiple performance mediums. Through scene study, character development, monologue work, improvisation, and on-camera techniques, students strengthen their craft while discovering their own unique artistic voices.

Beyond performance skills, students gain insight into the professional landscape of acting, including audition preparation, self-taping, and business practices necessary to navigate careers in the entertainment industry. Training is led by accomplished Teaching Artists and enhanced through Guest Artist Masterclasses featuring distinguished professionals, including series regulars, Emmy and Peabody Award winners, Artistic Directors, and other working industry leaders.

As a community-based program, Wilson ‘n William brings together young artists from across Los Angeles County, creating a collaborative environment where students build confidence, mentorship, and a lasting connection to the broader theatre and entertainment community. The program culminates in a professional-style showcase, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their growth, creativity, and readiness as emerging artists.

Building confidence, communication, critical thinking, reading, and comprehension skills, the Young Actors Club introduces elementary-aged students to the fundamentals of acting through engaging, age-appropriate instruction. Depending on the instructor's approach and the needs of the class, students may explore character development, improvisation, creative storytelling, and the rehearsal and performance of monologues and scenes drawn from classical works, contemporary plays, or original student-created material. Theatre games and collaborative activities reinforce essential acting techniques while fostering creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. Additional practices, such as journaling, mindfulness, or relaxation exercises, may also be incorporated to support students' social and emotional development. The program culminates in an End-of-Year Performance or Showcase hosted on each school's campus.