PROGRAMS

veteran music academy

Our Veteran Music Academy offers military veterans the chance to explore music as a creative and therapeutic outlet. Through free or discounted lessons, rehearsal space, and access to instruments, veterans can learn voice, instrumental music, and gain industry skills in production, artist management, and more. This program fosters a supportive community that empowers veterans to connect, express, and develop new skills for personal and professional growth. We are proud to partner with Veterans With Guitars!

YOUTH MUSIC ACADEMY

The Youth Music Academy provides underserved youth with access to high-quality music education and industry training they might not otherwise afford. Students can develop talents in voice, various instruments, music production, social media, and video production, gaining hands-on experience and career-focused skills. With free or discounted lessons, instruments, and rehearsal space, we’re dedicated to making music a transformative force in these young lives.

We all have that light inside us that the world is trying to push down, but you have a responsibility to keep it alive. When you shine your light, you have no idea how many people you can inspire.

— Alicia Keys

Behind the music

Discover the inspiration behind The Blueprint Music Academy and how our mission to serve veterans and underserved youth through music came to life. Learn more about our journey, our commitment to providing accessible music education, and the values that drive us every day.

Board of Directors

  • President

    As the founding President of Blueprint Music Academy, Jasan has established a vision that combines professional-level music instruction with community outreach. Under his leadership, the organization provides free and discounted music lessons, instruments, and rehearsal space through their state-of-the-art studio facility. His commitment to service extends beyond traditional music education, addressing critical gaps in arts programming for vulnerable populations.

    Jasan's leadership philosophy centers on "paying it forward" to the next generation. His work with Blueprint Music Academy reflects a deep commitment to using music as a tool for positive social impact, particularly in serving communities that traditionally lack access to quality arts education. This mission-driven approach has established the organization as a vital resource for youth development and veteran support services. "I feel very blessed to have had, and continue to have, a career in the music industry," Jasan reflects. "My mission now is to give back—to pay it forward to the next generation of artists through meaningful educational opportunities that can transform lives."

  • Vice President

    Robert Sarzo Jr., known as RJ Sarzo, brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience and a deep commitment to youth development to his role as Vice President of Blueprint Music Academy. As the Founder and Executive Director of The YES Foundation (Youth Education for Success), a California 501(c)(3) organization, RJ demonstrated his ability to build impactful nonprofit programs from the ground up. Under his leadership, The YES Foundation created "Say YES to Financial Literacy," an innovative financial education program that was successfully implemented across 27 LAUSD high schools throughout Southern California, providing thousands of students with essential life skills and financial knowledge.

    RJ's expertise in program development and educational outreach aligns perfectly with Blueprint Music Academy's commitment to serving underserved youth and veterans. His experience navigating the complexities of nonprofit management brings strategic depth to the Academy's operations, while his successful track record in working with school districts provides valuable insights for expanding community partnerships and program reach.

    Coming from a family with deep musical roots—as the son of renowned guitarist Robert Sarzo—RJ understands both the transformative power of music and the importance of making artistic education accessible to all. In his role as Vice President, he focuses on program development, community partnerships, and ensuring the Academy's educational initiatives create lasting positive impact. His leadership philosophy emphasizes education as a pathway to opportunity, continuing his lifelong commitment to empowering young people with the tools they need to succeed in life.

  • Board Member

    Erica Forster brings over 20 years of entertainment industry expertise to her role as a Board Member of Blueprint Music Academy. As a highly-accomplished entertainment executive and graduate of Southwestern Law School, she provides crucial legal and business guidance that helps protect and advance the Academy's mission of serving underserved youth and veterans through music education.

    Through Erica Forster Consulting, which she has operated since 2017, she serves as an Executive Advisor for Artist Management, providing strategic and legal guidance to a diverse spectrum of clients including YouTubers, management teams of emerging start-ups, and marketing leaders of iconic brands. Her comprehensive approach to entertainment law and artist management uniquely positions her to help Blueprint Music Academy navigate regulatory requirements, protect intellectual property, and structure programs that serve both educational and professional development goals.

    Erica's board service reflects her commitment to using her legal and consulting expertise for social good. Her understanding of entertainment law, artist management, and the evolving digital landscape—including work with modern content creators and emerging platforms—ensures that the Academy's students receive education that prepares them for today's music industry realities. This knowledge helps prepare students not only as musicians but as informed professionals who understand their rights and opportunities across traditional and digital entertainment platforms.

    Her board contributions focus on governance, legal compliance, and strategic planning that supports the Academy's nonprofit mission while maintaining the highest standards of legal and ethical practice. Erica's extensive network in entertainment law and artist management provides valuable connections and resources that benefit both the organization and its students as they pursue their musical careers.

  • Board Member

    Steve Rosenblatt brings over 25 years of music industry leadership experience to his role as a Board Member of Blueprint Music Academy. As a former Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at major and independent labels including Capitol Records, DreamWorks, Grand Royale, and New West Records, Steve provides strategic guidance that helps the Academy navigate the evolving music industry landscape while advancing its educational mission.

    Throughout his executive career, Steve has worked with renowned artists including Radiohead, The Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters, Everclear, At The Drive-In, Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm, and Drive-By Truckers. His comprehensive understanding of both the creative and business aspects of the music industry—from A&R decision-making to digital distribution—offers invaluable insights that inform the Academy's approach to preparing students for real-world music careers.

    Steve's board service reflects his commitment to music education and artist development. His industry expertise helps ensure that Blueprint Music Academy's programs remain current with industry trends while maintaining focus on the organization's core mission of serving underserved youth and veterans. His strategic perspective on market evolution, from physical sales to digital streaming, helps the Academy prepare students for the modern music landscape.

    As a board member, Steve contributes to organizational governance, strategic planning, and program development. His extensive network of industry relationships and proven track record in artist development align with the Academy's goal of providing students with authentic pathways to music industry success while maintaining the organization's commitment to accessible, high-quality music education for all.

  • Program Manager

    Amber Bruno brings nearly 20 years of project management and organizational leadership experience to her role as Program Manager at Blueprint Music Academy. Her extensive background managing multimillion-dollar environmental compliance projects and coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies has equipped her with exceptional skills in program coordination, stakeholder management, and regulatory compliance—all critical assets for overseeing the Academy's educational initiatives serving underserved youth and veterans.

    Amber's transition from corporate consulting to music education reflects her commitment to using her professional expertise for meaningful social impact. Her experience managing complex projects and technical teams translates directly to coordinating the Academy's diverse programs, from lesson scheduling and instructor management to facility operations and student support services. 

    As a musician with over 12 years of experience on baritone saxophone and extensive background in concert bands, jazz ensembles, and as a vocalist in various genres, Amber brings authentic musical credibility to her administrative role. Her hands-on approach to program management—from facility maintenance to direct student interaction—embodies the Academy's commitment to accessible, community-centered music education.

    Amber is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for female students and emerging artists. As a woman who has successfully navigated leadership roles in both corporate and music industry environments, she serves as a powerful role model for young women, demonstrating that they can achieve success in any field they choose to pursue. Her leadership at Blueprint Music Academy focuses on building inclusive programs that empower all students to reach their full potential while maintaining the high-quality educational standards that define the organization's mission.

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