THE ISSUE
THE ISSUE
WHY MUSIC MATTERS

Learning to play an instrument can have a significant impact on human development. From improving social and academic skills to building confidence, nurturing creativity and relieving stress, the benefits of making music are limitless.

WHY MUSIC MATTERS

Learning to play an instrument can have a significant impact on human development. From improving social and academic skills to building confidence, nurturing creativity and relieving stress, the benefits of making music are limitless.

BENEFITS OF MUSIC

Learning

Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all other studies, have enhanced critical thinking skills and pursue higher education.

Success

Quality music education has been linked to motivation, self-confidence, the development of self-control, planning, problem solving, focus and verbal intelligence.

Health & Well-being

Research has shown that blood flows more easily when music is played. It can also decrease stress, pain and anxiety, reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and elevate mood.

Teamwork

Practicing music enhances creativity, and requires and reinforces collaboration, cooperation and clear communication.

Building Relationships

Participating in band and orchestra enables students to meet new friends and forge strong social bonds that foster belonging.

Unity

Music is profoundly and universally human, and it has the power to cut through our differences and inspire a more unified society.

BENEFITS OF MUSIC

Learning

Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all other studies, have enhanced critical thinking skills and pursue higher education.

Success

Quality music education has been linked to motivation, self-confidence, the development of self-control, planning, problem solving, focus and verbal intelligence.

Health & Well-being

Research has shown that blood flows more easily when music is played. It can also decrease stress, pain and anxiety, reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and elevate mood.

Teamwork

Practicing music enhances creativity, and requires and reinforces collaboration, cooperation and clear communication.

Building Relationships

Participating in band and orchestra enables students to meet new friends and forge strong social bonds that foster belonging.

Unity

Music is profoundly and universally human, and it has the power to cut through our differences and inspire a more unified society.

THE ISSUE

Despite its wide-ranging and immeasurable benefits, music education and student participation have decreased dramatically, and music education is routinely undervalued.

In fact, the losses are disproportionate to those in any other academic subject. As schools across the nation struggle with rising costs and shrinking budgets, cutting funding for music education has been a go-to practice for years—a trend that has only intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic.

%

Decline in student participation in music programs

%

Decline in the number of music teachers

Students are in schools where music education is neglected

THE ISSUE

Despite its wide-ranging and immeasurable benefits, music education and student participation have decreased dramatically, and music education is routinely undervalued.

In fact, the losses are disproportionate to those in any other academic subject. As schools across the nation struggle with rising costs and shrinking budgets, cutting funding for music education has been a go-to practice for years—a trend that has only intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic.

%

Decline in student participation in music programs

%

Decline in the number of music teachers

Students are in schools where music education is neglected

“Music has changed our young people in so many ways. We are an organization that supports adolescents and young adults receiving cancer care treatment. I have seen music help them blossom, open up and express themselves in ways that I am not sure they would have been able to otherwise. In ways I never imagined.”

– GCMF Grantee

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DONATION

Our impact is made possible thanks to the generous support of people like you. Donations remain one of the most effective ways for us to expand our efforts.

BECOME A
VOLUNTEER

We welcome volunteers who are passionate about contributing their time and talent to helping secure and expand access to the music community.

SPREAD
THE WORD

Connecting and cultivating a diverse community of difference makers amplifies our ability to reach schools and in-need music education programs.

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This website is operated by The Guitar Center Music Foundation, which is an authorized, official licensee of Guitar Center Inc. (“GC”) and is using GC’s trademarks with express permission. ©2022 Guitarcenter.com. | Privacy Policy
This website is operated by The Guitar Center Music Foundation, which is an authorized, official licensee of Guitar Center Inc. (“GC”) and is using GC’s trademarks with express permission. ©2022 Guitarcenter.com. | Privacy Policy