Students from Laura Jean Music Academy performed for seniors at Ciela Senior Living Community recently, marking their second visit since the devastating Palisades Fire forced evacuations and damaged the surrounding neighborhood in January.
The performance represented more than just a musical showcase — it symbolized resilience and community connection in the aftermath of one of the area's most destructive wildfires. Students performed solo songs, duets, piano pieces and group a cappella selections for residents who had been displaced from their home for months.
The journey to Ciela proved sobering for the young performers, who witnessed firsthand the fire's destruction as they drove through Pacific Palisades. Familiar homes and businesses lay in ruins along their route, serving as stark reminders of the community's ongoing recovery efforts. Despite the visible devastation, students expressed excitement about reconnecting with elderly residents they had grown to know through previous performances.
The visit was part of Laura Jean Music Academy's monthly "Spotlight Sessions" initiative, which sends students to perform at local senior living facilities throughout Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades. Founded in 2014 by Laura Saggers, the academy was created with the purpose of developing exceptional, well-rounded musicians in an environment that is supportive, kind and has no room for egos. The academy has made community engagement central to its educational philosophy, offering students more than 35 live performance opportunities annually.
Saggers employs what she describes as a "tough love" teaching approach. Students know she adores them and supports them wholeheartedly, championing their successes and treating them like beloved siblings. However, she also holds them accountable to the highest level they are capable of achieving and doesn't accept excuses. This philosophy extends to all LJMA teachers, who are trained to teach with this mentality. Many instructors are academy alumni who return to teach while furthering their own musical careers.
The result is outstanding quality across the board — not just in one or two top students, but in all participants. Students leave the academy with a profound sense of achievement and lifelong friendships, with many choosing to continue their musical journeys at higher levels. With the majority of students studying at LJMA for over six years, teachers become role models, confidants and close family friends.
The Spotlight Sessions program serves dual purposes: providing students with low-stress performance experience while emphasizing community service values. These monthly visits allow young musicians to share their talents with seniors while developing empathy, leadership skills and social responsibility — qualities Saggers considers essential to well-rounded musical education.
The academy's educational approach extends beyond musical instruction to character development. Teachers focus not only on advancing students' musical abilities but also on developing their overall character as they navigate life. Manners, accountability, kindness, positive thinking, leadership and confidence-building are emphasized within the classroom environment.
Each lesson is custom-designed to suit individual needs, with teachers trained to determine what methods enable students to get the most from their instruction. Whether students want to prepare for exams, audition for school roles, build college applications or simply enjoy their musical journey, the academy provides years of performance and teaching experience to help them reach their goals.
The academy's commitment to live performance extends well beyond senior living facilities. Students participate in Black Tie Recitals, Open Mic Nights and performances at local farmers markets throughout the year. These varied experiences not only fast-track performers in skill and ability but also build confidence and determination while encouraging students to support each other's individual journeys.
The academy's award-winning a cappella group, Squad Harmonix, performed at Lincoln Center in New York in April, representing the pinnacle of LJMA's performance opportunities.
These varied performance experiences are designed to enhance students' technical skills, confidence and stage presence while fostering community connections. The academy's numerous performances per year encourage students to mingle with each other, make new friends and learn to support one another. More advanced students learn to support beginners by leading by example, while newer students are inspired by the possibilities they see in advanced performers — creating what Saggers calls a "win-win for everyone."
The return to Ciela following the Palisades Fire highlighted the deeper purpose behind LJMA's community engagement efforts. While the surrounding neighborhood continues rebuilding, the music academy's presence provided continuity and hope for residents who had endured displacement and uncertainty.
The Palisades Fire, which swept through the area in January, forced widespread evacuations and destroyed numerous homes and businesses. Ciela Senior Living Community was among the facilities affected, disrupting the regular programming that residents had come to expect and enjoy.
For LJMA students, the return visit marked their first opportunity to reconnect with Ciela residents after the fire. Sunday's performance represented their ongoing commitment to maintaining these relationships despite the challenges posed by the natural disaster.
The academy's emphasis on community service through music reflects broader educational goals that extend beyond technical proficiency. By encouraging students to use their talents to uplift others, LJMA aims to develop not just skilled musicians but engaged citizens who understand music's power to heal and connect communities.
Laura Jean Music Academy continues to accept new students and expand its community engagement programming. More information about the academy and its mission can be found at ljma.com.
