In The Words of our LAB GUESTS & SUPPORTERS…

“Grace Weber's Music Lab fosters a supportive environment where young people can experiment and develop their artistic voices. Because of the inclusive space they have established, young people feel safe taking creative risks and showcasing their skills at all levels. Grace Weber's Music Lab actively seeks out diverse guest artists, mirroring the student body and showcasing the vibrant possibilities within the music and performing arts industries. Furthermore, the program is committed to continuous improvement, adapting to student feedback to ensure a truly enriching experience.” - MPS Partnership for the Arts & Humanities, GWML Program Funder

““This program is incredible, it seems like such an incredible opportunity to give whatever they’re working on or whatever’s in their heart or mind such a safe space in such a supportive group, it’s pretty amazing.” - John Bian, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Apr ‘24: “Classical Music Careers”

“Programs like Grace Weber’s Music Lab are super important because it really creates a community. It really creates a network for kids that are like-minded & are inspired by other musicians, lyricists or songwriters. I’m inspired by the kids’ ambition & how they want to succeed & take in as much information as possible so they know what path to go down.” - Marcella Araica, Mar ‘24: “Women in Music Vo. 2”

“Today’s session - WOW! So many beautiful takeaways! I’m just inspired, I’m so full. These kids have such pure, raw talent; they’re confident & they’re inspiring ME to step into a new level of confidence. I’m just happy to be here to share, inspire and motivate these kids to keep going, ‘cause they’ve GOT it! Programs like Grace Weber’s Music Lab are so important for young people & I’m happy to be a part of this.” - India Shawn, Feb ‘24, “Vocal Performance Vol. 2”

“The Music Lab is important for saving our young people from trouble. Some of the best artists in the world have  been troubled but once they got into something they loved & liked, they became better young people & I just believe that the Music Lab can do that.” - Frank Gatson jr., May ‘23 “Taking the Stage”

“I was pleasantly surprised with the talent [from the Music Lab.] Everybody was just so amazing; the writing, the compositions & everything. Being a composer & a music artist myself, it’s just really cool to see their start & their beginnings. A program like this is really helpful to allow you to have that outlet to express yourself; to be free musically & artistically in any way.” - Peter Collins, Jan ‘23: “Music Composition”

In The Words of our students…

“I haven’t performed, but seeing the positive energy and meeting everyone was really cool. I loved it.” - Ronald Reagan High School Sophomore

“My favorite part is the open mic and being able to connect with like-minded Milwaukee students who I can network and collaborate with.” - University School of Milwaukee Senior

“I’ve made some friends and met a lot of people at the labs. I’ve learned a lot about music and behind the scenes that will really help me in the future.” - Rufus King International High School Senior

“Being able to perform a poem I created for an audience for the first time was extremely life-changing for me. The feeling of having my message heard and accepted by the audience is a beautiful feeling that I only dreamed about, but Grace and her team turned it into a reality.” - Pius XI Senior

“All of The Music Lab is positive. I met some great people. And Grace is really inspiring and cool. I love that she created this for all teens.” - Nicolet High School Senior

“I found out about the Music Lab from my brother, who's been going here quite often. The first time I came here it was a really big group of kids but it felt organized enough to feel very calming; it just felt natural coming here. It's like “Oh, just perform your song.” Like “We're going to listen to this guy real quick talk about like what he's been doing to be successful in music and here's how you can do it and here's where you can start, which I thought was really cool and fun about coming here. I've come here almost every time ever since, and the people who come here are always really nice and supportive, even to someone who is shy like me. I like coming here a lot; it's very calm and a safe space for anyone to be who they are.” - Music Lab Attendee

“I found out about Grace Weber’s Music Lab through B~Free. She came to my school and came into my class and she started talking about what it's about and that we can sign up for the open mic and express ourselves. So I wanted to come here to just express how I feel and who I am. The last time I came here and why I keep coming back is because I felt very inspired by the people who had the strength to go up there and go on the stage and sing and share their gift with the world. And I just want to be one of those people to share mine.” - Music Lab Attendee

“I found out about Grace Weber’s music lab through my teacher. He said that when you come here you can perform, hear music and other performers but it's much more than that. The last time I came, I was also inspired. I feel like coming here prepares you to be a better artist because there are not many places where you can go and perform in front of other people and show off and showcase your talents. I feel like this is a really good thing for new and upcoming young artists. That's why I came and that's why I continuously come back to better myself as an artist and as an individual.” - Music Lab Attendee