Exactly what the LALS Jam 360 experience looks like—how we support students, equip classrooms, and train instructors to deliver accessible, inclusive music education.

A classroom-based music education program designed to support the emotional and cognitive needs of non-neurotypical youth in Grades 8–12—building healing, community connection, and personal fortitude through accessible music-making.

16-Week Program

A weekly, classroom-based program built to meet students where they are. Sessions use music as a conversational starting point to support emotional and cognitive engagement—while helping students build self-confidence, communication skills, and collaborative habits.

Each classroom is supported by a dedicated pod of music educators—trained to deliver ETM’s proprietary teaching system in a way that’s approachable, inclusive, and responsive to diverse learning needs. Instructor preparation is led by Executive Director Kris Schulz, with structured training, checks, and balances to ensure new educators can support individual needs while managing overall classroom dynamics. ETM also works alongside school staff by learning from and integrating methods used by teachers in the Vancouver and Burnaby school systems.

Behind the scenes, ETM is strengthened by a dedicated group of advisors and supporters who generously share their time, expertise, and guidance. Their steady support helps shape our programs, build sustainable growth, and ensure we can keep showing up for students and schools week after week.

Equipment Provided

Drums & Percussion

We use percussion experiences that can feel grounding and calming—pairing hands-on rhythm with accessible approaches that support connection, reduce stress, and help students participate confidently in group music-making.

Guitars & Ukeleles

We adapt traditional string instruments to reduce barriers—using approaches like open-tuned guitars (C) and complementary instruments (including ukuleles) so students can create music together with less dexterity strain and more immediate success.

Adaptive & Digital Instruments

We incorporate gesture-based instruments and creative tech that students can learn quickly and use collaboratively—supporting music-making that doesn’t depend on “traditional” technique to be meaningful.

Keyboards & Music Tech

We use next-generation digital pianos, keyboards, and accessible tools (including apps many students already have access to) to help students create, record, and share music—inside and outside the classroom.

One current initiative is developing a curriculum centered on the C major pentatonic scale (C, D, E, G, A)—so instruments naturally work together in harmony, minimizing dissonance and supporting a more calming, inclusive group experience.

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Classroom & teacher alignment

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Student support considerations

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Instructor pod assigned & trained

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Instruments & tech prepared

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Wellbeing resources on hand

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Ongoing check-ins & continuous improvement

Week-in-the-Life

Week 1 Introductions & instrument exploration

Students explore instruments and accessible tools in a supportive environment that emphasizes connection, curiosity, and inclusion.

Week 2-4 Foundational skills

Sessions build confidence through approachable musical building blocks—supporting communication, collaboration, and emotional/cognitive engagement.

Week 5-8 Building repertoire

Students begin creating and collaborating more consistently—using adaptive instruments and tech to reduce barriers and encourage peer connection.

Week 9-15 Collaborative projects & growth

Instructors adapt in real time to support individual needs while maintaining a healthy classroom dynamic—using music as a steady foundation for growth.

Week 16 Sharing & Celebrations

Students share what they’ve created in a way that’s supportive and empowering—reinforcing community, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Empower Through Music Society is a nationally recognized charity providing accessible music lessons and instruments to under-served youth, rooted in healing, community connection, and personal fortitude. ETM removes financial and physical barriers so young people—regardless of circumstance—can experience the joy and confidence that comes from creating music.

Today, ETM delivers LALS Jam 360 across multiple schools and LALS classrooms, supporting non-neurotypical youth in Grades 8–12 throughout the Vancouver School District. First launched in 2019 with the Assisted Learning/Life Skills classroom at Vancouver’s Eric Hamber Secondary School, the program has grown through proven success—now reaching a broader community of students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities through consistent, classroom-based music sessions.

ETM is expanding cautiously and pragmatically—supporting additional LALS classrooms through classroom visits, operational planning, and instructor pods that travel to each school. Annual delivery goals are supported through community events, social media awareness, grants, and partnerships.

Next growth phases include extending into neighboring Fraser Valley communities—working alongside Indigenous leaders to develop culturally grounded programs and pathways for local instructors.

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Program Overview

LALS Jam 360 - Program Detail

16-Week Program

Our Team

Our Advisors and Supporters