Beyond musical instruction, nonprofit Apt 4 Music’s mission in Arts District Liberty Station is to create musicians and match them together.

“We’re not just teaching you how to play an instrument, but teaching you how to be a musician,” said company CEO/founder Rice Enright about Apt 4 Music. “Our discipline is music, but we create events.”

At apt4music.org, the nonprofit states it strives to create opportunity in the musical arts by making music accessible and achievable for everyone. The group’s goal is to transform communities globally through music-centered programs, services, and education.

“We want to give local artists a chance to be out in public and support each other,” said Enright who, along with business partner DJ Villegas, runs the nonprofit. Their business name was derived originally from Enright’s Ocean Beach dwelling when he started the business during COVID in 2021.

Core values for Apt 4 Music include instilling acceptance, dedication, and consistency in its programming while showcasing the many pathways to success in the music community. “Apt 4 Music fulfills its mission by imparting the desire to inspire others in those that have been led by inspiration,” states the website.

Enright characterized starting Apt 4 Music as a music center during COVID as a “calculated risk,” but pointed out it was “a risk that paid off.” He added, “Three years later we are thriving. We went from teaching music lessons in a big empty room via Zoom, to today having 14 employees and servicing four charter schools supported through Liberty Station’s NTC Foundation. That allows us to provide musical programming for several local elementary schools.”

An accomplished music performer, educator, producer, and technician, Enright said his associate Villegas’ expertise is more with the business side of the nonprofit, which works out well.

Of their offerings at Apt 4 Music, Enright said it’s a “mixed bag” of everything from providing traditional music lessons to instruction onsite with private lessons. He said programs are geared toward people of all ages. “We’re not audition-based,” he said adding a major company goal is to “match students up with appropriate instructors for them to make sure it’s a good fit. Our only criteria is, ‘Do you want to be here?’ If the answer is yes, we will accommodate you.”

Apt 4 Music is also not a one-size-fits-all program said Enright pointing out everyone learns differently, so they teach them the “language” of music at their own pace.

Why should someone choose Apt 4 Music over other alternatives? “We’re fun,” Enright answered. “We don’t just take your money here. We don’t just teach guitar and say, ‘Have a nice day.’ We try to create bands.”

Apt 4 Music students perform on the junior stage for the annual Point Loma Summer Concert series. Enright noted their music students also give free public performances showcasing their talents during First Fridays at Liberty Station.

“We are motivating you with a goal,” Enright said adding, “It’s not perfection – it’s progress.”

APT 4 MUSIC
Where: 2590 Truxtun Road, Suite 100.
Info: apt4music.org, 619-363-1577.