The Watts Conservatory of Music was founded by a group of passionate artists and educators—Flea* (Red Hot Chili Peppers), David Moss, Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Julie Harelson, and Fernando Pullum—united by a singular mission: to build a free music school in the heart of Watts, open to anyone with the desire to learn an instrument.

A key part of the conservatory’s journey has been Bobby Easton, a talented multi-instrumentalist, committed music educator, and the school’s director. Bobby’s leadership and hands-on involvement have helped guide the Conservatory through its many challenges, keeping its mission focused and alive.

Born out of a shared belief in music as a transformative force, the conservatory was created to break down barriers and provide access to quality music education in a community too often overlooked. What began as a hopeful collaboration with the city of Los Angeles to secure a donated property became a years-long journey through bureaucratic setbacks and community politics.

After the city failed to deliver on its promise of a property, the team pivoted to work with LAUSD, developing a detailed plan to repurpose two classrooms at Edwin Markham Middle School. With unanimous approval from the LAUSD Board of Education and facilities division, the Conservatory was close to breaking ground—until the Division of the State Architect (DSA) unexpectedly demanded $10 million in renovations for what were to be simple interior changes.

Undeterred, the team struck a deal with the Children’s Institute, one of L.A.’s oldest nonprofits, to lease their historic building after renowned architect Frank Gehry designed them a new home. Again, support was unanimous—but shifting community dynamics halted the project before it could launch.

After years of setbacks, the Watts Conservatory of Music has finally found a place to finally begin music instruction through a partnership with Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, where the spirit of music and education now thrives. Operating every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11AM to 2PM, the Conservatory is finally doing what it was always meant to do: giving young people in Watts free access to instruments, mentorship, and the power of music.

This is more than a school—it’s a movement.

 

*Flea was one of our founders and an integral board member from 2015 until Jan. 2025