Empowering the Next Generation Through Music
$25 helps give a student access to music education
The Shareef Clayton Music Foundation provides mentorship, creative learning, and performance opportunities for young musicians in underserved communities.
Mission
Our Mission
The Shareef Clayton Music Foundation is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians by expanding access to meaningful music education, mentorship, and artistic experiences.
Through workshops, mentorship, and performance opportunities, the foundation connects young people with professional artists and the transformative power of music.
Committed to expanding opportunity for young people who may not otherwise have access to high-quality music education, the foundation creates spaces where students can explore their creativity, develop their voices, and grow through artistic expression.
By bringing together mentorship, collaboration, and performance, the Shareef Clayton Music Foundation helps cultivate emerging musicians while strengthening the cultural life of the communities it serves.
Founder
Meet the Founder
Shareef Clayton is an internationally recognized trumpeter, bandleader, and educator dedicated to expanding access to music education. As the founder of Harlem Music Studios, he has worked with students of all ages and is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young musicians.
Featured Program
Harlem Youth Music Workshop
The Harlem Youth Music Workshop is a small-group music education program designed for students ages 11–17.
Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and ensemble playing, students explore improvisation, rhythm, creative expression, and performance in a supportive environment.
Led by professional musicians, the program helps students build confidence, strengthen musical skills, and experience the joy of collaborative music-making.
- Ages 11–17
- Small group instruction
- Professional musician mentors
- Student showcase performance
- Held at Harlem Music Studios and through community partnerships
Why Music Education Matters
Music education helps young people build confidence, creativity, discipline, and teamwork. It gives students a space to express themselves, connect with others, and grow through mentorship and artistic exploration.
Through meaningful access to music education, young people gain skills that support not only their artistic development, but also their personal growth and sense of possibility.
Impact
Our Impact
The Shareef Clayton Music Foundation is dedicated to expanding access to high-quality music education for youth and underserved communities.
Across many communities, young people with a passion for music often lack access to mentorship, instruction, and performance opportunities that help them develop their artistic potential. Music education has been shown to strengthen confidence, discipline, creativity, and collaboration—skills that support both academic success and personal development.
Empowerment
Get Involved
There are many ways to support the mission of the Shareef Clayton Music Foundation. Whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteering, your support helps create meaningful opportunities for young musicians to learn, grow, and express themselves through music.
Donate
Support the mission of the Shareef Clayton Music Foundation by helping provide music education, mentorship, and performance opportunities for young musicians.
Sponsor a Student
Help a young musician participate in the Harlem Youth Music Workshop by sponsoring access to mentorship, instruction, and creative learning opportunities.
Partner With Us
Schools, organizations, and community partners are invited to collaborate with the foundation to expand access to music education and mentorship for young musicians.
Volunteer
Join the mission by volunteering your time or skills to help support programs, events, and educational opportunities for young musicians.