Bridge Builder:
Andrea Viarrial-Murphy,  Deputy Director, Youth on Record

"I find so much joy when I have the opportunity to pass on knowledge, forge connections, and help individuals progress to the next phase of their lives-"

“Not only do we have commitment to youth in the Denver Metro, we have a commitment to the neighborhood.”

Andrea, who serves as the Deputy Director at Youth on Record, is a Colorado native with a deep connection to her community. Her father was raised in a Mexican-Native American household in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, which is located near the current location of Youth on Record. The inspiration for her community-oriented work over the years stems from her parents.
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"My parents instilled in me the importance of giving back to our communities in any way possible. I grew up working with young people at our church and spent my summers as a camp leader, always emphasizing community," Andrea explained. "The question was always, 'How can I give back? How can I support our youth?' My parents were committed to the community, and they motivated me to pursue the work I do today."

Honoring the direct link to her father's upbringing, Andrea now focuses her efforts in the same neighborhood where he was raised. Through Youth on Record, her work offers underserved students access to resources like access to a recording studio, music lessons, mentorship, and a variety of community programs.

"My dad used to tell me that it's all about connections and relationships. As I delved into my work, I realized the truth in his words," Andrea shared. "I aim to be that person for these young creatives, providing connections and opportunities. Who can I introduce them to, and how do they start to step into leadership roles? How can I help them establish connections and meet the right individuals? If we can offer a seat at the table, that's a significant first step."

Andrea's passion lies in providing a platform for young people to express themselves creatively, find support, and discover their voices. By offering an alternative environment and thoughtful opportunities, Youth on Record serves as a valuable resource for young creatives in the neighborhood.

“Helping Youth Discover Their Voice & Value To Create A Better World Through Music.”

We are all in this together.

"I find so much joy when I have the opportunity to pass on knowledge, forge connections, and help individuals progress to the next phase of their lives," Andrea shares. "Students often come to me seeking advice on marketing themselves, crafting press releases, strategic partnerships, and interacting with the media–that's where I excel. I can contribute my expertise and be a source of guidance for our students."

​In addition to hands-on experiences at Youth on Record, Andrea emphasizes the significance of showing young people the value of presenting their authentic selves to the community.

"Authenticity holds a crucial place, particularly when collaborating with your community and other individuals, regardless of their age. Building impactful relationships is essential. After all, we're all in this weird life adventure together."

Youth on Record aspires to extend its impact to schools across the entire state. Presently, the organization serves only 2,000 students within Denver and Aurora. There are nearly 90,000 young people within the Denver Public School system alone. 

"We have a multitude of young creatives to reach. The possibilities are endless because the demand for our work is substantial. We dream of expanding our programs and envision a philanthropic presence in the music industry, both locally and nationally," Viarrial-Murphy says.
For more information about Youth on Record's offerings, which include for-credit courses, free after-school music workshops, paid internships, and more, visit their website at www.youthonrecord.org or follow them on social media at www.instagram.com/youthonrecord/.