SWAN: Scaling Walls a Note at a Time

SWAN: Scaling Walls a Note at a Time offers private and group music lessons, after-school and summer camp programming, homework assistance, Bible classes, art classes, and mental health mentoring and counseling. The year-round music program includes weekly private lessons or 1-hour group music lessons, and the summer music program includes daily music lessons, enrichment classes, social-emotional learning, Bible classes, and mental health mentoring. SWAN also offers a therapeutic drumming program with training seminars on rhythm and drumming for emotional regulation, connection, and healing.

Programs

• Music Programs — K-12; School District of Lancaster students in grades 2-12 for Rising Stars; School District of Lancaster children in grades 2-8 for Summer Program
• Rising Stars Music Program — Grades 2-12 · After-school and summer camp; weekly private and group lessons · Includes private and group music lessons, homework assistance, Bible classes, art classes, and mental health mentoring and counseling.
• Summer Music Program — Grades 2-8 · Full-day, five-week camp held Monday through Thursday; daily music lessons · Includes music instruction, enrichment classes, social-emotional learning, Bible classes, and mental health mentoring. Transportation, breakfast, and lunch are provided.
• Year-Round Music Program — K-12 · Weekly private or 1-hour group music lessons · Available in addition to the Rising Stars program, or as an independent offering.
• Therapeutic Drumming Program — Not stated · Series of training seminars · Equips School District of Lancaster staff, SWAN staff, students, and families to use rhythm and drumming as tools for emotional regulation, connection, and healing.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• General schedule: Weekly private or group lessons; after-school and summer camp programming; full-day, five-week summer camp held Monday through Thursday.

About the provider

SWAN is a state-certified Educational Improvement Organization. Lessons take place in school buildings, music studios, community centers, and the Lancaster Youth Intervention Center, and instruments are provided by community donations. The mission is helping children affected by parental incarceration heal, learn, succeed, and dream through music, mentoring, trauma-informed support, and biblical instruction.

School District of Lancaster students; at least one parent’s incarceration information is required for admission to the Rising Stars program. Enrollment is open throughout the year for Rising Stars. Summer program enrollment opens April 1 and closes June 1. SWAN serves students in grades K-12 in Lancaster, PA.

What families say

“CJ arrived at SWAN carrying deep trauma, often hiding under the piano and withdrawing from others. But through music and caring mentors, he discovered a gift for rhythm. By the end of the program, CJ stood confidently on stage, performing a drum solo for a cheering audience, an incredible transformation and a reminder of why SWAN exists.” — CJ

“It takes me away from all my worries and cares. It makes me feel worthwhile.” — Bryanna, vocal student

Last updated October 16, 2026.