Local nonprofit KEYS Music is bringing young musicians together to learn and play music at their summer camp.

The camp takes place at the United Congregational Church.

The nonprofit's free summer camp is in its second week of a three-week session.

KEYS Director Rob Silvan says kids' need for music goes beyond what public schools can support.

“Not just for what it can do academically, but what it can contribute to healing,” says Silvan.

Camp organizers say music gives children the tools, not only to express themselves, but also to connect with one another.

"All of these people need to be able to listen and play together. That creates a strong connection, at the same time as it's building joy,” says Silvan.

Instruments at the camp range from piano to violin to Home Depot buckets.

"We're learning actually different types of drumming. African American drumming, Brazilian drumming, Japanese drumming,” says one student.

Another student claims the music is “like a language, but it's not very hard to learn."

KEYS students have been learning virtually in the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's kind of hard to learn your fingerings and stuff and make sure your wrist is not so bent and stuff, because it's not like in person,” says a young musician.

Organizers believe in-person learning is where the magic happens.

“You're making this gorgeous sound and you're part of a chord, you're part of a continuous piece of music. That's when it really starts to happen,” says a KEYS music organizer.