The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF), a nonprofit organization focused on granting instruments to music education and music therapy organizations, has had a busy Q1 and Q2 of 2022, expanding its growing list of grantees to a number of education and outreach initiatives. Myka Miller, Guitar Center Music Foundation Executive Director, remarks, “It is our mission to give everyone the power to express themselves through music, and to keep music education alive and attainable. As we continue to partner with groups across the country, it is clear that music education is key to providing a voice and safe space to musicians and non-musicians alike. We must foster talent and encourage people of all ages to share their experiences through sound.” Reviewing a sampling of 2022’s GCMF grantees to date shows not only the growing scope of the organization’s efforts, but the creativity and thoughtfulness of outreach and advocacy programs, helping to provide opportunities to today’s youth, adults in need and other underserved communities. Miller notes, “During the first half of this year, we assisted over 70 organizations, putting us on track to double last year’s numbers. To date this year, GCMF has awarded over $200K in grants, impacting more than 10,000 young musicians. Through instrument grants and donations, our goal is to ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible.”
A great example is a new program at the Antioch Speedway in Antioch, CA. When Antioch Speedway volunteer Larry Adams learned that kids from Antioch High School might not graduate due to not having enough elective credits, he saw an opportunity to create a class for students to broadcast the racetrack’s events to earn those missing credits. Adams came to GCMF asking for audio-visual gear to help build Antioch High School’s new broadcasting program, and GCMF donated all AV equipment needed for the students. Now, these students not only get the chance to graduate but also receive hands-on experience in a field that could offer college scholarships.
The ELECTRIC MOON Foundation, an online 3D and VR music and art experience organization based in Los Angeles, CA, is another grantee. Similar to GCMF, they are passionate and dedicated to sharing the healing powers of music and art and ensuring these are accessible to everyone. GCMF answered the call when they reached out about a need for instruments for their summer music camp held at Alexandria House, a transitional home for women and children in Los Angeles. At camp, children learned to play an instrument and write songs and ended with a performance in front of friends and family. Through this request, GCMF was able to gift 25 guitars to this community group.
Jazz Hands for Autism was also provided with a GCMF grant, equipping their students with new guitars, basses, and recording equipment. This talent advocacy group has supported over 200 musicians on the Autism spectrum. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Jazz Hands for Autism’s students are excelling in their music lessons. Many students are also finding success as performers, writers, and recording artists.
Casa Youth Shelter, based out of Los Alamitos, CA, offers temporary emergency shelter for homeless, runaway, and abandoned youth ages 12-17. It serves and nurtures youth in crisis with shelter, counseling and support services, empowering them to come through their crisis with increased confidence, stability and tools for continued growth. The organization provides residents with music classes, for which GCMF donated several guitars and ukuleles.
Marbridge Foundation, based in Manchaca, TX, is a 200+ acre residential community that houses more than 273 adults with a wide range of cognitive disabilities. Their training and education program has a variety of classes, including drum therapy, band, painting, and more. GCMF provided an assortment of percussion instruments for these courses.
Miller concludes, “When we connect with and listen to the needs of our communities, we broaden our impact and can share the power of music with all.”
To learn more, visit http://www.GuitarCenterFoundation.org, or follow @GiveMusicLife on Twitter for more news or to discover ways to support The Guitar Center Music Foundation.
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