Working in Harmony

Working in Harmony

Soundwave Music Centre gets a new look, thanks to local charity: The Jack Lonergan Foundation.

New look for Soundwave

MMF’s Soundwave Music Centre in Mitcham has benefitted from a ‘glow up’, thanks to the hard work of local charity, The Jack Lonergan Foundation (TJLF).

The renovation work included creating a new podcasting space and live recording room, a dedicated office and a band rehearsal room. However, TJLF didn’t stop there – the site now also boasts a brand-new carpeted floor and stylish wooden panel wall trim corridor.

Scroll down for more photos! ⏬

Five people, MMF and JLF stafff, enthusiastically pose as a band in a practice room with a drum kit, keyboard, electric guitars, and an acoustic guitar; all are smiling and appear to be having fun.

MMF staff enjoy the new band room at Soundwave alongside JLF charity directors, Michael and John Lonergan.

”The space feels AMAZING – it’s absolutely incredible what has been achieved. The impact is huge as well, we can now offer more lessons and a wider range of activity for young people in a space that the community can be proud of.’

David Rees, MMF’s Chief Executive 

A fitting tribute for Jack

The Jack Lonergan Foundation was set up in memory of Merton local, Jack, a passionate and dedicated music teacher who died aged 28. The charity supports free access to musical activity for children who otherwise wouldn’t usually have these opportunities.

Over the last few months, TJLF’s directors, Michael and John Lonergan – Jack’s father and uncle – have spent countless hours working alongside contractors making Soundwave look its best. The work was made possible thanks to generous support from the Reed Foundation; Study Prep School, Wimbledon; and Vaillant UK.

Mitcham’s own music centre

Soundwave currently runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays after school offering a wide range of musical activity – from piano, guitar & violin lessons to DJ classes, beatboxing and ukulele. Future plans for the centre include development of podcasting classes, a multi-room recording studio set up and increased use of the site by local community groups and young musicians.

Take a look for yourself…

A music room with two digital pianos, a stool, blue vertical blinds, and a wall mural featuring close-up volume control knobs—an inspiring space perfect for young musicians to hone their skills.
A blackboard wall features a weekly music lesson timetable on the left and colourful “MAKE SOME NOISE” text with musical notes on the right. The days list classes like guitar, drums, DJ skills, and music technology
A close-up of a professional DJ controller with various knobs, buttons, sliders, and turntables. A pair of black headphones rests on the right side of the controller
An empty computer laboratory with six workstations, each equipped with a monitor, keyboard, headphones, and a chair. A microphone stands in the foreground whilst a clock and posters decorate the walls.
A modern music studio setup with a wall mural, large monitor, desktop computer, speakers, electronic keyboard, and DJ controller two desks by a window with a wooden chair.
A bright waiting room with a desk and chair on the left, shelves and toys on the right, including a red-and-white play tent. Large windows let in plenty of natural light.
A black mug with The Jack Lonergan Foundation printed in black text on a white guitar pick-shaped background, sitting on a wooden table next to a laptop and another cup.
A music rehearsal room with a drum kit in the foreground, large Sabian cymbal, two speakers on stands, and a mural of a drummer playing drums with water splashing.
Two grey armchairs face each other in a small recording studio with geometric wood panelling. Microphones, headphones, and a mixer are set up on a white table between the chairs.

Find out more

You can support the fantastic work of The Jack Lonergan Foundation by visiting their website at: www.tjlf.org