In the words of community leaders, partners, artists, and participants:…

"The songwriting session and performance was absolutely wonderful. Everyone was so excited about the whole production, both participants and audience. I still can’t get over the professional quality of these songs, how beautiful they ALL are. Donald’s “Kid Sister” dedicated to me is so incredibly sweet. That moment will go down as one of the best moments of my life. Thank you for letting the Center be a part of the Beat of Life. You are a very special family/ team.”

– Fran Clippard, Founder/Executive Director The Center for Living & Learning (for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness 

“Thank you so much to The Beat of Life and everyone behind the scenes. It was an emotional writing session but so healing. I needed this outlet very badly. Thank you so much Jeni for your vision of this program and all the hard work that followed. I told you after the event what I’ll tell everyone: You are my hero. God Bless You.”

– Emily, “Beautiful Minds” program participant

“BEST. DAY. EVER. Better than Disney World.”

– Joshua Hamlett, student at St. John Vianney School, “Sing It To Stop It” participant

This program is the best thing that’s happened to me since I’ve been incarcerated…bringing light to a dark part of our lives. Truly amazing and one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.”

“The Beat of Life family changed my life forever, straight up saved my life!” 

“This was one of the most inspiring and inclusive events I’ve ever been involved with. The Beat of Life, through my eyes, has pushed an agenda of inclusion and sharing far beyond some of the better programs I’ve seen in my 20+ years of social/human service. Congratulations, this is something special.”

– Paul Kaifas, Director of Operations, RMS (residential services for individuals with developmental disabilities)

“According to all reports, the students had such an exciting learning experience working with the songwriters during the writing session for anti-bullying songs at Gra Mar Middle School! “Sing It To Stop It” may encourage real behavioral change. Almost 82% of those students surveyed said they would be less likely to bully in the future after program participation. It is an amazing and heartfelt testimony of what can happen when an individual, like Jeni Dominelli, honors their purpose with such commitment. I’m so proud of the staff and students at Gra Mar and I am excited about next steps!!!!”

– Stephanie Davis, Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools & Olweus Bully Prevention, Metro Nashville Public Schools 

“It never ceases to amaze me, the transformative power of music… the act of listening to someone tell their story, and giving them a platform to share it. The Beat of Life does all of this with love and grace and in turn fosters healing and hope for so many.”

– Casey LeVasseur, songwriter, mental health advocate, author, Co-Founder of The Jeffrey Steele Songwriting Academy 

“I would tell my fellow inmates that this program would change their life. Being able to “redeem” yourself/story through song is a powerful and even spiritual journey and experience.”

“I just came to this school yesterday because I actually was bullied at my last school. After this program today, it’s like all the kids are now, like, seeing me in the hallways and talking to me now, and like, ‘Hey man!, you’re talented!’ and stuff. So this actually helped me make friends here now.”

– Giovanni, student at Gra Mar Middle School, “Sing It To Stop It” participant

“I love the asset-based approach – utilizing what our city’s greatest asset is! – to solving critical social and health-based problems.”

– Dr. John Dreyzehner, Tennessee Health Commissioner

“I’m out now and was finally able to find and reach out to you all. It was one of the most inspirational and uplifting days I’ve had in a very long time when you brought your team to the jail. Being able to create with Lori and Adam was amazing. Thanks for doing what you do. I had to let you know how much that meant to me. I’m out now and would really like to be a part of y’all’s organization.” 

“Thank you so much for blessing us with this program from The Beat of Life. So many of us in here are just like children wanting to be loved. God has cleansed my soul through this experience and song, and this program is actually an answer to a prayer I prayed. I can’t wait for my song to recorded to bless others’ lives now as it has mine.”

“The Beat of Life’s staff is knowledgeable and professional, and their mission is unique and viable. This is exactly what kind of social change we need and are looking for right now.”

– William Coleman, Frmr. Director of Arts Access, Tennessee Arts Commission 

“Music can lift a broken man’s spirits. It can make him realize he has something to live for. Giving a man some worth (through a program like this) can cause him to make life-saving decisions.”