Happy Thanksgiving!
Like many people, I have a lot to be thankful for: My loved ones, the roof over my head, the opportunities that I have been given…and of course, music! Music is a huge part of my life (as it likely is in yours, if you are reading this), but many people are not lucky enough to have it as a part of their lives.
If you’re looking for a way to give back this holiday season, please check out some of the music organizations that I have highlighted below! Everyone deserves a chance to be involved with something as amazing as music.
Education Through Music
“After reading media stories about the low-quality education New York City students were receiving, Education Through Music founders Edmund Schroeder and Eldon Mayer decided they wanted to take action. After seeing first-hand a school that was utilizing music education to improve educational outcomes, they decided to collaborate in 1991 to provide music education to schools that did not have the resources to teach their children the arts. Since then, Education Through Music has grown into an organization that is reaching thousands of children, giving them the high-quality music education they deserve. Today, what started in one school is now in 70 schools serving nearly 36,000 students.
Education Through Music (ETM) partners with under-resourced schools to provide music as a core subject for all children, and utilizes music education as a catalyst to improve academic achievement, motivation for school and self-confidence.”
Music For Relief
“Music for Relief was founded by the band Linkin Park in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Throughout its first twelve years, thanks to incredible artist partners, donors and supporters, Music for Relief responded to more than 30 natural disasters across four continents providing immediate relief and funding long-term recovery with a focus on sustainability. Always thinking about collaboration, in March of 2018, Music for Relief announced it would join forces with Entertainment Industry Foundation to amplify the results of its disaster relief and recovery work.
Building on EIF’s historic commitment to furthering the philanthropic efforts of the entertainment community, Music for Relief allows for immediate response in the wake of humanitarian crisis or natural disaster. By mobilizing the entertainment community and committing to work with key partners and organizations on the ground, MFR is able to deliver funding and support of vital services in real time ensuring long-term sufficiency and resiliency in affected areas throughout the world.”
Jazz Foundation of America
“Changes in the music industry have left many behind including underground legends, session players and even the big names themselves. When age, illness, or disaster threatens a long career, many have nowhere to turn. These musicians have been saving us with their music our entire lives. These are dignified people who never think to ask for help. Our lifesaving programs turn despair into hope.
Musicians who have made a living playing blues, jazz and roots music know they can call our office at any time or walk through our doors for help in solving an emergency. We average 30 individual musician emergency cases a day and approximately 9,000 assists every year. We prevent homelessness with housing assistance, keep artists healthy with pro bono medical care and provide financial support that keeps the lights on and food on the table.
All any musician ever wants is that next gig. We create dignified paid work opportunities for artists to perform with free concerts at schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. Each year we produce almost 1,000 concerts in 17 states and reach more than 80,000 listeners from children in public schools to seniors in elder care facilities.”
Have a happy holiday and always remember to give thanks for music!
