Beats Flows

The Beats Flows program at EastSide Arts Alliance is a music-based youth development program that focuses on helping young people grow as artists and cultural workers in Oakland. The program has been operating for over 25 years and provides youth, particularly from East Oakland, with opportunities to learn how to write, record, produce, and perform their own music.

Youth between the ages of 13 and 19 participate in discussions about current issues affecting Oakland and the world around them. Through these conversations and workshops, students create music that reflects their experiences, perspectives, and communities. Participants engage in writing workshops, technical music engineering, sound engineering, beat production, performance development, and freestyle improvisation workshops.

Beats Flows is an after-school program that not only focuses on music but also supports youth development and education. Time is set aside when needed for homework completion and academic support to help students stay on track in school.

Students are also prepared to participate in EastSide Arts Alliance's annual community events and cultural programming, including Dia de los Muertos, the Annual Holiday Art Sale, Black History Month celebrations, and the Malcolm X Jazz Festival. These events are considered part of the organization's traditions, and students often perform and showcase their talents at them.

The Beats Flows program typically serves up to 13 students and meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Contact: KEV@eastsideartsalliance.org