WHAT IS THE WILLY PETE MUSIC PROGRAM (WPMP)
Over 50,000 U.S. service members have been physically wounded in battle, and nearly 400,000 live with invisible wounds of war. PTSD, combat stress, depression, TBI and even suicide are the results of these invisible wounds. It’s estimated 15-20% of all veterans suffer from PTSD.
Studies show that these warriors could benefit from learning to play a musical instrument. It gives them an outlet to express themselves and olaying an instrument engages the brain in extraordinary ways. Music heals. Music restores. Our students have told us that the process of learning to play has given them hope, has helped them reconnect with their emotions and has increased their confidence.
HOW IT WORKS
The Willy Pete Music Program (WPMP) is a FREE fifteen-week program that includes one-on-one instruction of instruments, songwriting lessons and audio/visual technology by members of the Willy Pete Network of musicians & artists. At the conclusion of each program the students and professional musicians perform an exciting live concert at a local venue for family, friends and military supporters.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Time Commitment. WPMP pays for the instructor and many times the space. You'll be asked to prioritize the one-on-one lessons with your teacher as well as the practice time at home. There are ways your instructor can attempt to reschedule or do a video conference call if your schedule changes. However, your progress will be better if this is a rare occurrence.
- Video and Print Interviews. In addition to celebrating the lessons through a live performance with a crowd, we also try to create more and more awareness of our wounded warriors struggles and successes. We do this through video and audio interviews. These are handled in the most time efficient way and will involve a minor amount of time. We DO ask that you try your best to accommodate this request. AND...if you have security or privacy issues, we can work with you to mitigate or solve them in a mutually beneficial way. Just let us know.
If you are interested in participating in WPMP, please fill out the simple form below. We will be in touch about the next opportunity to join the program.
LESSONS:
Once you submit this form, we will follow up with you with details and answer any questions you may have.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do I have to be a wounded warrior to apply for these lessons?
No! We want to give any warrior interested in music the opportunity to learn or advance their skill.
Where will these lessons be held?
Most lessons will be at a location that is best for the student and teacher. We are partnering with schools, studios and other venues ,and once you're in the program, the location will be suggested and agreed upon. We don't want distance to be an issue.
What if I don't have an instrument?
Each student will be provided an instrument for them to use and practice on during the program. If a student attends at least 80% of the lessons in a 15 week period they can keep the instrument forever.
Do I have to perform at the final concert?
We understand that some may only want to play for themselves at home and some may feel that performing in front of people is too much of a challenge. If this is the case, we will work out some creative way to showcase your progress on the night of the concert.
Can I join half way through the program?
We are still working out the way the semester program will work for anyone who wants to join late and we desire for as many to be a part of each program as possible. This will be addressed in a case by case manner.
What if my schedule changes, I have an out of town trip or I get sick?
Once your lessons start, you can arrange with your instructor if your schedule changes…this is no problem.
How long are the lessons?
Each lesson is 1 hour long
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“I am continually amazed at how the members of Willy Pete seek to engage with military members and veterans.
The WPMP gave me confidence in my abilities and left me with a co-written song that captures the value in having a “Wingman” helping us through major transitional periods.
The opportunity to work with professionals had not been an option for me during my USAF career, and it likely wouldn’t have had it not been for Willy Pete’s genuine desire to humbly devote their talents to serving the military community!”
- Joe