MUSIC FOR LIFE ALLIANCE - The
Music For Life Alliance facilitates the efforts of individuals and organizations
making music learning accessible to young people who may not otherwise be able
to experience the educational, psychological, and social benefits of making
music. Through awards, grants and recognition, and by creating and maintaining a
national database, the Music For Life Alliance helps support and unify
grassroots efforts across the country.
Over the past several years the Music for Life Alliance has promoted supporting
music education for kids with its efforts and concepts that have inspired the
creation and development of the very effective charities the Music for Life long
Achievement and Guitars In The Classroom. The current goal of the Music For Life
Alliance is to facilitate the many diverse efforts across the country to make
music learning accessible to kids. By creating and maintaining a national
database, the Alliance can help to unify the efforts of individuals and
organizations supporting music education by providing instruments, instrument
repair, music learning materials and music instruction for children who may not
otherwise be able to experience the joy of making music.
Why?
Is it important for children to have the opportunity to play music and why is
music so important to the very fabric of society?
Social/Academic benefits of learning an instrument
1. To express emotion
2. To instill confidence and self-esteem
3. To develop the mind *
4. To promote responsibility
5. To promote discipline
6. To promote social interaction
7. To promote cultural awareness through music
8. To promote an awareness of art as it relates to life
9. To enhance heath and healing (See ""Music and Healing"" article)
10. For the sense of accomplishment and joy of making music
Time after time, studies have shown that children who play a musical instrument
do better in school. Playing music also helps to integrate the right and left
brain hemispheres, and exercises the parts of the brain that control
mathematics, coordination, motor skills, and intuitive thinking. This is
especially crucial during the teen-age years when the brain begins to function
more selectively. (See US News & World Report cover story, Aug 9, 1999. See also
""The Mozart Effect"" by Don Campbell.)
Who thinks so?
The core problem Music education budgets are nominal or nonexistent for a vast
population of young people, across all demographics. Consequently, too many
young people are denied the aesthetic, intellectual and inspirational rewards of
discovering and embracing the language of music a primal human expression and
instinct.
"" Music precedes language"" - Marcel Proust
""Life without music would be a mistake"" - Friedrich Nietzsche
Since the series of governmental cutbacks on teaching of the arts in schools,
many individuals have reached out and organizations have sprung up simply
because they recognize the dire need to teach music to our kids.
Here are a few of the Organizations That Are Making A Difference:
American Federation of Musicians
American Music Conference
ASCAP
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Gamma program
Guitars in the Classroom
International House of Blues Foundation
Modori Foundation
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation
Muriel Anderson's All Star Guitar Night
Music for Lifelong Achievement
Opus 118, NY
Rotary Club, Livermore CA
Sheldon Concert Hall, St. Louis MO
VH-1 Save the Music
WO Smith School of Music, Nashville
What can I do?
1. Check out the organizations listed in our database to see if there is one
that you would like to support with your time, instrument donation, or financial
donation. Talk to them, check their credentials and needs, and see how you can
help.
2. If you have the time and the skills, you may want to start your own chapter
of Music for Life long Achievement or Guitars In The Classroom or other
organization listed here.
3. Do you know other eligible organizations not listed here? Help us to expand
our database.
Muriel Anderson's All Star Guitar Night benefits the
Music For Life Alliance
Share this video with a friend! Fill out the form below and we'll send your friend a link to this video with your message. We will not record your friend's email address.
