ABOUT US
ABOUT US
About the Founder/Visionary LaToya Jones-Herbert:
LaToya Jones - Herbert was born in the Bronx, NY to Clarence Jones and Josy Rey - Jones. She is married to the love of her life Neville Anthony Herbert Being a woman of faith with a strong background, LaToya has always seen the value of investing in the lives of others. LaToya is an international inspirational artist that has been singing professionally since 2009. She also founded her music company, LTJ Music Group, LLC in 2009. LaToya has been afforded opportunities to perform in multiple West Indian Islands; Savsjo, Sweden; as well as, on countless USA stages. LaToya released her first EP entitled “Fresh Wind” in 2010 with six songs she selected from her extensive collection of original songs written and composed by her. In 2012 she began writing and recording her full length album entitled “Victorious.” The project was released on December 27, 2012. In 2014 LaToya released a single entitled “The Light" which featured guest artist, Angie Rose. Her latest music project entitled, “Transition” was released in May of 2020.
In addition to pursuing her music career as an independent artist, in 2014 LaToya began to build a program from the ground up, geared towards reaching the youth through the power of performing arts. With music being such an intricate part of her success, as well as a memorable part of her childhood, LaToya knew exactly how to use her gift to positively impact her community. She later founded what is now known as the Young Artist Development Program (YADP). Initially she ran the program under the umbrella of LTJ Music Group, LLC but in 2018 YADP officially became a 501(c)3 Non-profit organization.
LaToya continues to travel both near and far as an artist while successfully running LTJ Music Group, LLC and growing the Vision Manifestation of the Young Artist Development Program. She is also very instrumental in various community outreach efforts through her local community Church.
VISION STATEMENT
The Young Artist Development Program
is designed to positively impact the lives of young people
through the power of Performing Arts.
MISSION STATEMENT
YADP strives to help build character while strengthening
the skills of each young artist. Our desire is to help each
young artist DISCOVER, UNLOCK, ENHANCE, PERFECT, & PERFORM
their various art forms, while building their character so they can strive
for excellence, through positivity, as a professional.
YADP's FIVE STEP
Progressive Structure
DISCOVER
In this stage it is our goal to help each young artist clearly identify their talents/gifts.
This can be done through various activities that cause each young artist to do an
introspective look into their personal likes, dislikes, and pastimes.
UNLOCK
In this stage we challenge the underlying insecurities that may have mentally
locked up their talents through fear such as past criticisms, stage fright, or public opinion.
Exercises such as trust circles (group discussion), journaling, the “Who Am I” mask activity,
or the dear younger me assignment.
ENHANCE
In this stage you should have been able to free the young artists from their social emotional chains. Now you will begin to help them hone in on their various talents by giving them the opportunity to learn, create, and practice performing. Challenge them to break out of their comfort zone. Require commitment, 150% participation, and positive energy. These requirements will create an atmosphere that fosters growth.
PERFECT
In this stage the young artists begin to polish their various performances to be showcased. Constant and consistent rehearsals will seem vigorous and overwhelming to the young artists so take this opportunity to get positively creative with how you keep them interested.
In this stage it’s
important to teach each young artists how to manage their nerves and anxiety. For many of them, this is their first performance so it is your job to reassure them that they are ready. Say encouraging things like, “Remember, catch the stage on fire!”