Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Unveils Fully Equipped Music Room, Thanks to Montecito Donors

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announced the opening of a new music room on its campus, a space that will provide girls with hands‑on experience in a variety of instruments and digital music tools. The room was made possible by a donation from local Montecito residents and singers‑songwriters Lila and Georgia MacPhail.

The new studio contains guitars, amplifiers, a keyboard, a drum set, and a desktop computer station that will allow students to receive virtual music tutoring. According to the organization, the equipment will enable girls to explore music production, songwriting, and performance in a supportive, all‑girls environment.

"I think that this room is a place where they can share their passion and be creative and play with each other," Georgia MacPhail said. "I think that’s really magical, especially in a place like this, and so I hope it inspires that.” The MacPhail sisters, who have performed together for years, described the donation as a way to give back to a community that has supported their own musical careers.

Madeline Balser, Development Director at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, added that the music room expands the organization’s mission to offer girls abundant opportunities to learn and grow as strong, smart, and bold leaders. "Some of the girls have been exposed to music at home or in school, but for the majority, this will be their first time gaining hands‑on experience with an instrument," Balser said. "We are so excited to develop a music program that invites girls to find their voice, express their creativity, and learn to create together.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has long provided programs in STEM, literacy, and athletics. The addition of the music studio represents a meaningful expansion of artistic programming, the organization said. The facility is located in Carpinteria, a small seaside city in southeastern Santa Barbara County, California.

The organization is currently seeking volunteer music teachers who would like to share their expertise with the girls. Interested volunteers can contact the program by emailing information@girlsinc-carp.org or visiting the website www.girlsinc-carp.org.

The music room is part of Girls Inc.’s broader effort to empower girls and women to achieve personal, social, economic, and political success. The nonprofit, founded in 1945, operates under the national Girls Inc. umbrella, which encourages girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold.”

The MacPhail donation highlights the role of local artists and community members in supporting youth development programs. The sisters, both active in the California music scene, have used their platform to advocate for arts education.

With the new studio, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria aims to provide a creative outlet that complements its existing STEM and literacy initiatives. The organization’s leadership believes that exposure to music can enhance cognitive skills, teamwork, and confidence—qualities that align with the organization’s mission.

The music room is now open for use by the girls enrolled in the program. Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will continue to develop the curriculum and schedule lessons as volunteer instructors become available.

For more information about the new music room or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact Girls Inc. of Carpinteria at information@girlsinc-carp.org or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.