Our Mission
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, BHAM is here to help serve as a thriving hub for creativity and connection through music with no barriers—where anyone, from seasoned musicians to enthusiastic beginners, can access the resources they need to: Learn, Practice & Rehearse, Create & Record, Perform, and Connect with music.
As a newer non-profit we have split our mission into 3 phases and are working hard on phase 1 with our start-up committee right now; which is to build the much needed music Rehearsal Studio Rooms and sliding-scale musical school. BHAM stands firm on the belief in equitable access to music and fostering a safe creative environment. We are committed to offering financial aid and sliding scale options for lessons and studio time to ensure inclusivity within our community. BHAM represents a vital resource for the community, dedicated to nurturing musical talent and enriching cultural life through inclusivity and accessibility.
Continued investment in our facilities and programs will ensure the fulfillment of our mission and elevate BHAM's standing as a cornerstone of our already historic music and arts community.
Learn
Provide top-quality music education without barriers to anyone that wants to learn. One of the biggest barriers to music is the cost of quality private lessons, teacher support, and the cost of equipment. At BHAM, we offer sliding scale music lessons to those who qualify. We do extensive vetting and background checks to ensure we have top-quality experienced teachers to earn a livable wage and have our dedicated support.
We will provide free and reduced cost instrument rentals to anyone enrolled in our classes that needs one and cannot afford it. BHAM will also collect new and used instruments to donate to those in need in the community.
There is also a Vision to help support our underfunded music programs in public schools by developing an after-school music enrichment program for the local districts.
Perform
Provide access to perform and experience live music in our space and local establishments by hosting and sponsoring concerts/events.
Our rehearsal space is conveniently located downtown next to all the great music venues Bellingham has to offer, allowing local bands easy travel to local gigs. Our day-use rehearsal room can also attract and support national touring acts as a professional place to meet and rehearse downtown before performing in our region.
Practice & Rehearse
*Provide high-end music rehearsal facility with climate control, security system, and easy access. Another major problem musicians face is a place to practice, rehearse, and store equipment. Bellingham currently has over 800 bands and only a handful of rehearsal spaces, with waiting lists 2years long. This is the most underserved part of our music community and is prioritized in phase1. BHAM aims to feature a total of 10 month-to-month rehearsal rooms that are clean, safe, secure, sound controlled, and suited for all types of instruments and groups.
We will also have a low-cost day-use hourly room available with good instruments and equipment ready to use.
Connect
Serve as a music community hub for helping to create, build, and foster the art of music in the community. Our space provides networking opportunities for local artists to connect and support each other (i.e.: gig support, tour support, musician community board, session musicians, photographers, album artists, merch support, social media development & designers).
BHAM also partners with local business and other local/national non-profit groups to further enhance the culture and lives of our community.
Record & Create
BHAM will help with access to music recording by offering professional music studio: education, equipment and services; with scholarship and sliding scale options. These services will also be available to local schools and business seeking any kind of audio-production help.
We will host song-writing classes and workshops along with production.
We will Produce a compilation and archive of local music.