Written By: Jack Zaferes
"My Name is Jack Zaferes, I have been performing, recording, producing, composing and teaching music for 15 years now. Music is everything to me. As a child my parents pushed for me to express myself as much as possible through music. I played, recorded and actively listened to music almost everyday in my high school years and this flourished into a career for me when I entered my college years. In my early to late 20's I toured the United States and Europe with rock and roll and punk bands and worked as a studio musician recording with multiple artists throughout the east coast. I currently now teach full time with Rock to the Future, perform with my jazz band and tour with my rock band! I also run my own recording studio in Fishtown! I believe music is the thread that holds humanity together—crossing borders, healing wounds, and reminding us that even in our darkest moments, music has the power to keep us all together.
Joining Rock to the Future has taught me that teaching is an incredibly extrospective experience. I have learned more being a teacher here in my past two and a half years than I have anywhere else. Building relationships and creating a space where young people feel seen and supported and watching students grow in confidence and discover their potential has been incredibly inspiring.
Rock to the Future's MusiCommunity programs provide free, year-round music opportunities for Philadelphia teens in accessible community spaces. We provide classes in music production, songwriting, performance, and event creation. The youth that attend our classes build creative skills, confidence, and meaningful connections while gaining access to resources and support that promote lifelong well-being and community engagement.
I love the sense of togetherness and wellbeing I feel when I step into our MusiCommunity spaces. Not only are our classes informative and academic, they also feel very community driven and are a safe space for students to freely express themselves.
Access to music education can change a young person's life. Plain and simple. Music gives students a creative outlet, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to express who they are. It teaches perseverance, teamwork, and self-expression while creating meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the power of music, regardless of their background or circumstances, because the lessons learned through music extend far beyond the stage or classroom.
I hope MusiCommunity continues to be a place where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired. Beyond learning music, I hope students leave the program with greater confidence in themselves, lasting connections, and the belief that their voices matter. I also hope the program continues to strengthen communities by bringing people together through the shared power of music.