We had the good fortune of connecting with Josiah Bruny and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josiah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
As the CEO and Founder of Music Changing Lives, I attribute the success of our brand to our unwavering commitment to our mission and the communities we serve. At Music Changing Lives, our core belief is that music has the power to transform lives, inspire creativity, and foster positive change. This belief is not just a slogan; it’s the driving force behind everything we do.

We have built our success on a foundation of authenticity, empathy, and passion for making a difference. Our team is deeply connected to the communities we work with, and we listen to their needs, challenges, and aspirations. By understanding and respecting the unique circumstances of each community, we are able to tailor our programs and initiatives to have the greatest impact.

Additionally, collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We partner with schools, community organizations, artists, and volunteers to amplify our reach and effectiveness. By working together, we are able to leverage our collective strengths and resources to create meaningful change.

Furthermore, our success is also driven by our ability to adapt and innovate. The landscape of education and youth development is constantly evolving, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. Whether it’s embracing new technologies, exploring creative funding models, or developing innovative programming, we are always looking for ways to improve and expand our impact.

Ultimately, the success of Music Changing Lives is a testament to the power of music to bring people together, inspire creativity, and transform lives. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey, and we remain committed to our mission of using music as a force for positive change in the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Music Changing Lives, we are dedicated to using the power of the arts to inspire positive change in the lives of young people. What sets us apart from others is our holistic approach to youth development, combining music and art education, mentorship, and community engagement to create meaningful opportunities for personal growth and artistic expression.

One of the things I am most proud of is our impact on the lives of the young people we serve through our State of The Youth conference. Seeing our students discover their talents, build confidence, and pursue their dreams is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where every voice is valued sets us apart from others in the industry.

Getting to where we are today has been a journey filled with systematic challenges, but each obstacle has only strengthened our resolve to make a difference. From navigating funding issues to overcoming racial and logistical hurdles, we have learned to adapt and innovate in order to continue fulfilling our mission.

Some of the key lessons we have learned along the way include the importance of resilience, collaboration, and staying true to our values. By staying focused on our core principles and being open to new ideas and partnerships, we have been able to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

As for what I want the world to know about Music Changing Lives, it is that we are more than just a music program – we are a movement for positive change. Through the transformative power of music and art, we are empowering young people to realize their full potential and become leaders in their communities. Our story is one of hope, resilience, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Morning: We’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast at a local favorite spot like Café Organics, known for its mouthwatering vegan food and friendly atmosphere.

Afternoon: We’ll head to the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa for a tour of its stunning architecture and rich history.

Evening: For dinner, we’ll dine at ProAbition, a speakeasy-style restaurant serving up craft cocktails and gourmet comfort food.

Day 2:
Morning: We’ll explore the Civil Rights Institute, showcasing contemporary art and exhibitions from local artists.

Afternoon: It’s time for some outdoor adventure at Mount Rubidoux Park, where we’ll hike to the top for breathtaking views of the city.

Evening: We’ll grab dinner at The Salted Pig, known for its inventive gastropub fare and extensive beer selection.

Day 3:
Morning: We’ll indulge in a leisurely brunch at The State Restaurant, famous for its farm-to-table cuisine and creative twists on classic dishes.

Afternoon: Let’s spend the afternoon at Top Golf, enjoying virtual golf, arcade games, and snacks.

Evening: Dinner will be at The Downtown Redlands Market Night, where we can sample delicious street food from local vendors and browse unique artisanal goods.

Day 4:
Morning: We’ll take a scenic drive to Joshua Tree National Park, where we’ll hike among the otherworldly rock formations and admire the desert landscape.

Afternoon: After working up an appetite, we’ll have a picnic lunch amidst the Joshua trees.

Evening: Back in Riverside, we’ll dine at Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro, a cozy spot known for its homemade pastries and European-inspired dishes.

Day 5:
Morning: We’ll start the day with a visit to the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, delving into the area’s natural and cultural history.

Afternoon: Let’s explore the shops and boutiques along Main Street in downtown Riverside, picking up some unique souvenirs along the way.
Evening: Dinner will be at The Salted Pig again because it’s just that good!

Day 6:
Morning: We’ll embark on a scenic drive to Temecula Valley Wine Country, where we’ll spend the day wine tasting at some of the region’s best wineries.
Afternoon: We’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the winery restaurants, savoring farm-fresh cuisine paired with local wines.

Evening: Back in San Bernardino, we’ll have a relaxed dinner at I Love Chicken & Waffles, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the week.

Day 7:
Morning: We’ll start the day with a rejuvenating yoga session at a local studio, followed by a healthy breakfast at a nearby café.

Afternoon: We’ll spend the afternoon exploring San Bernardino County Museum.

Evening: For our final dinner, we’ll head to Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood for a luxurious dining experience, complete with prime cuts of steak and fresh seafood dishes.

Throughout the week, we’ll also make time to catch live music performances at local venues and support the incredible work being done by Music Changing Lives to empower youth through music education and mentorship. I can’t wait to show you all that our vibrant community has to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to all the incredible individuals, organizations, and supporters who have played a vital role in our journey.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated team at Music Changing Lives. Their passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our mission have been the driving force behind our success. From our talented instructors and mentors to our administrative staff, board members and volunteers, each member of our team plays a crucial role in empowering young people through music and arts education.

I also want to recognize the countless mentors and supporters who have believed in our vision and provided guidance, encouragement, and resources along the way. Whether it’s our community partners, donors, or mentors who have shared their expertise and wisdom, we are truly grateful for their generosity and support.

Additionally, I would like to dedicate this shoutout to the young people we serve at Music Changing Lives. Their resilience, creativity, and passion inspire us every day, and it is a privilege to witness their growth and transformation through music and arts education.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the power of arts itself as a catalyst for change and healing. Art mediums have the ability to bring people together, transcend barriers, and ignite positive change in our communities. Through our programs and initiatives, we are honored to harness the transformative power of the arts to create a brighter future for young people everywhere.

So to all our supporters, mentors, partners, and the incredible young people we serve, thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us change lives through music and art. Your contributions and dedication make all the difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued support.

Website: https://www.musicchanginglives.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicchanginglives/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahbruny?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmusicchanging

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicChangingLivesIE/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/musicchanginglives

Image Credits
Josiah Bruny of Music Changing Lives

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