Music learning opportunities are not equally available to all. The following organizations aim to bridge the gaps in access to music learning by teaching underserved students and communities.
Austin Soundwaves
Community served: Student musicians across the greater Austin area
https://www.austinsoundwaves.org/
"Austin Soundwaves serves student musicians across the greater Austin area, providing diverse opportunities for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences."
Buffalo String Works
Community served: Youth in Buffalo, New York
www.buffalostringworks.org
P.O. Box 195
Buffalo, NY 14213
Buffalo String Works' mission is "to ignite personal and community leadership through accessible, youth-centered music education."
Building Beats
Community served: New York City residents/communities
www.buildingbeats.org
37 North 15th St #210
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(347)762-5669
"Core to what Building Beats does is providing immersive, engaging, and positive instructional experiences that our students and partners love."
Community Music Works
Community served: Urban youth in Providence, RI
www.communitymusicworks.org/mission
1392 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02909
(401) 861.5650
Community Music Works' mission is "to create cohesive urban community through music education and performance that transforms the lives of children, families, and musicians."
Guitars not Guns
Community served: Foster children and at-risk youth
www.guitarsnotguns.org
PO box 494
Milliken, CO 80543
Guitars not Guns' mission is to "provide guitars and lessons to foster children and at-risk youth in a classroom setting with qualified teachers as an alternative to violence"
Harmony Project KC
Community served: Students in Kansas City, MO
https://www.necc-kc.org/our-model
"Harmony Project KC harnesses the transformative power of music to increase access to higher education for underserved students by removing systemic barriers to achievement through academic and social support."
Heartbeat Music Project
Community served: Navajo Nation
www.heartbeatmusicproject.org
"The Heartbeat Music Project offers music education for Navajo (Diné) K-12 students living on the Navajo Reservation"
Musicambia
Community served: Incarcerated population
www.musicambia.org
712A Monroe St
Brooklyn, NY 11221
"Musicambia uses the power of music to build supportive communities where incarcerated individuals can build meaningful connections, engage in learning, and rebuild their lives."
Musican
Community served: Urban youth in New York City
www.musican.org/about-us
119 W 72nd Street Ste 310
New York NY 10023
646.320.3131
"MusiCan orchestrates programs to bring children and music together."
Musicians Without Borders
Community Served: People in conflict regions
www.musicianswithoutborders.org
Tolhuisweg 1
1031 CL, Amsterdam
The Netherlands
"In collaboration with local musicians and organizations, we bring music to people and places affected by war, armed conflict, and displacement."
Playing for Change Foundation
Community served: Marginalized youth
www.playingforchange.org/about
171 Pier Avenue, #271
Santa Monica, CA 90405 - USA
"PFCF was established to create positive change through music and arts education. Our work engages marginalized youth in diverse communities around the world, primarily located in low and lower-middle income countries."
Project Music Heals Us
Community served: Marginalized, hospitalized, incarcerated communities
www.pmhu.org
"PROJECT: MUSIC HEALS US is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide encouragement, education and healing through bringing high-quality live music performances and interactive programming to marginalized communities"
School of Honk
Community served: Untrained musicians in Somerville, MA
www.schoolofhonk.org
"A weekly meetup and parade when friends and neighbors learn to play lively, spontaneous music together"
Street Symphony
Community served: Homeless population in Skid Row, Los Angeles
www.streetsymphony.org
1001 Wilshire Boulevard PMB 2258
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-222-6221
Street Symphony "...utilizes music to create opportunities of human connection to homeless and incarcerated communities through workshops, events, and one-on-one musical instruction."
SWAN (Scaling Walls One Note at a Time)
Community served: Children affected by parental incarceration
https://swan4kids.org/
P.O. Box 249
Lyndell, PA, 19354
"Lancaster-based music & support group for children affected by parental incarceration."
Urban Art Beat
Community served: Urban youth in New York City and Puerto Rico
www.urbanartbeat.org/home
"Urban Art Beat is an incredible group of artist mentors and collaborators whose mission is to address the dire lack of arts, music, social-emotional, and culturally relevant programming available to youth who need it most."
Urban Voices Project
Community served: Homeless population, Skid Row, Los Angeles
www.urbanvoicesproject.org
420 S. San Pedro Street
Suite 423
Los Angeles, CA 90013
"Rooted in Skid Row through music, community, and openhearted inclusion of the most marginalized members of society, Urban Voices Project amplifies artistic expression to improve well being, strengthen social networks, and inspire individuals to be their own best advocates."
Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA)
Community served: Youth in Los Angeles
www.laphil.com/learn/yola/youth-orchestra-los-angeles
"Empowering Youth, Building Community"