Empowering the Next Generation Through Music

$25 helps give a student access to music education

Shareef Clayton Music Foundation brings young people together through youth music workshops, school and community programs, and live jazz presentations led by professional musicians. Based in Harlem, New York, we welcome partners throughout New York City.

Mission

Our Mission

SCMF helps young people explore music through hands-on instruction, mentorship, and performance. Based in Harlem, New York, we connect students with professional musicians and work with schools and community partners to expand access to music education.

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 for children and teens, with age groups and activities tailored to each offering. Specific ages will be listed when registration opens.

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.

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

In 2026, six young people participated in SCMF’s first free, four-week Harlem Youth Music Workshop at Harlem Music Studios. That first workshop put our mission into practice: creating opportunities for young people to learn music with guidance from professional musicians. We’re building on this beginning as we develop more programs and school partnerships.

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.