Save our Community

A community-focused program teaching Baltimore youth the “ins and outs” of the music business and other disciplines.

Apply Now

Our Focus

90x10

The Dream Bigger Community Institute, located in Baltimore, Maryland is currently expanding its flagship initiative The Beats Not Bullets (BNB) program which aims to increase Middle & High School age students' knowledge of the sound engineering and the recording industry. Participants will graduate with improved awareness, attitude and practice of using instruments, computer software and audio equipment to create music and audio production.

The Baltimore based music program, Beats Not Bullets, is celebrating its eighth year of operation. The community-focused program specializes in teaching youth the “ins and outs” of the music business and other disciplines. What started as a kernel of an idea, has transformed into a fully staffed operation supported by Dream Bigger Community Institute (DBCI) a 501(c)(3).

BNB is staffed by music industry professionals and provides participants the opportunity to experiment, practice, create and record music using instruments, industry-standard computer software, and audio equipment. We assist youth to further develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills leading to better cognition and long-term decision-making. 

To date, just under 1000 youth aged 12 to 24, have enjoyed the Beats Not Bullets concept. Graduates have independently produced musical projects, secured production placements and obtained internships with local recording studios and positively impact their family.

We are very proud to announce that the Beats Not Bullets Program is officially inside Baltimore City Correctional Facilities. The first BNB Behind The Fence initiative was launched at The Metropolitan Transitional Center (MTC) as of November 2022.

 

The Beats Not Bullets program is driven by the following missions:

 

The BNB curriculum is designed to educate Baltimore City Youth on how to work efficiently and professionally in the entertainment and creative industries. Graduates will complete with strengths and qualifications in the following areas: