Music. Is. Everything. is a community-based music program delivered by GenerOZity Projects, a registered Public Benevolent Institution.
The program supports young people who experience isolation, anxiety, or exclusion – particularly LGBTQIA+ young people, neurodivergent teens, and young people on the social fringe.
Through music, we create a structured, affirming environment where participants can build confidence, connect with peers, and feel safe being themselves.
Music is the tool. Belonging is the outcome.
Music. Is. Everything. supports young people aged 13–18 who may not feel safe or included in traditional programs.
Our primary focus includes:
- LGBTQIA+ young people
- Neurodivergent teens
- At-risk or socially isolated youth
- Young people from low-income households
- Teens in out-of-home care
Cohort size: 15 participants
Delivery: In-person, weekend sessions
Location: Delivered locally, with future sites added carefully and responsibly
Each cohort takes part in a structured 8-week journey, meeting one day per week in a consistent, supported environment.
Across the program, participants engage in:
- Music skills and creative exploration
- Songwriting and self-expression
- Group collaboration and band work
- Emotional regulation tools through music
- Reflection, check-ins, and peer connection
The program concludes with an optional showcase and recording session, allowing participants to share their work in a way that feels safe and appropriate for them.
Participation in any public-facing activity is always optional.
Music. Is. Everything. is not a traditional music school.
It is intentionally designed as a safe, inclusive community space, built around the needs of young people who often feel excluded elsewhere.
What sets this program apart:
- LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent-affirming design
- Trauma-informed facilitators and youth mentors
- Small, consistent groups that build trust
- Strong safeguarding and child safety frameworks
- No-cost or low-cost access for participants
- A focus on wellbeing outcomes, not musical achievement
Young people are never pressured to perform, disclose personal experiences, or participate beyond their comfort level.
Music is a powerful tool for young people experiencing stress, isolation, or anxiety.
Research and lived experience show that music:
- Builds confidence and emotional literacy
- Helps regulate anxiety and overstimulation
- Encourages teamwork and communication
- Reduces social isolation
- Supports identity development beyond labels
In Music. Is. Everything., music becomes a shared language — creating connection where words alone often fall short.
Through Music. Is. Everything., we aim to support young people to:
- Feel safer and more confident in group settings
- Build positive peer relationships
- Develop healthy emotional regulation strategies
- Increase engagement at home, school, or in the community
- Experience a genuine sense of belonging
We collect baseline and post-program data to help us understand what’s working, improve delivery, and report transparently to supporters.
Over time, we aim to support more young people through additional program sites and alumni-led pathways – while maintaining the same commitment to safety, inclusion, and evidence-based care that defines Music. Is. Everything.
Growth is guided by safeguarding capacity, community need, and the well being of young people first.
Safeguarding & Child Safety
GenerOZity Projects is committed to providing a safe environment for all young people.
All facilitators and mentors are trained in child safety, trauma-informed practice, and appropriate boundaries.
Safeguarding policies, reporting processes, and risk assessments are in place for every program.
Our Lead Mentor
Karl “The Lyrical” Smith is a seasoned musician, songwriter, and performer with a deep passion for creativity, connection, and expressive music.
Performing as The Lyrical for more than two decades, Karl’s work blends hip-hop, roots, reggae, folk, and socially conscious lyricism. His music has received strong recognition within the Australian music scene, including support from Triple J Unearthed and performances on stages across the country.
Beyond performing, Karl brings a thoughtful, community-focused approach to music. As Lead Music Mentor for Music. Is. Everything., he supports young people to explore their musical voice in a safe, affirming environment — combining technical skill with empathy, encouragement, and lived experience.
Karl believes music can help young people build confidence, feel heard, and form meaningful connections, and he is committed to guiding them with warmth and integrity.
Program Coordinator
Joel Rennie is the Founder of GenerOZity and Managing Director of GenerOZity Projects.
With a background spanning creative industries, events, and community-led initiatives, Joel has spent years bringing people together through projects that prioritise connection, accessibility, and direct action. His work is driven by a belief that community, creativity, and kindness are powerful tools for positive change – particularly for young people experiencing isolation, marginalisation, or disadvantage.
As Managing Director of GenerOZity Projects, Joel focuses on building programs that are ethical, trauma-informed, and genuinely youth-centred. He is deeply committed to strong governance, safeguarding, and ensuring that every initiative delivered by GenerOZity is led with care, accountability, and long-term responsibility.
How you can support the program
Music. Is. Everything. is delivered by GenerOZity Projects, a registered charity committed to direct, ethical action.
Support from donors, partners, and the community helps ensure:
- No young person is turned away due to cost
- Programs remain fully staffed, safe, and supported
- Instruments and spaces are accessible and maintained
- We can continue measuring and improving outcomes
All support goes directly toward program delivery, safeguarding, and youth wellbeing.
