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. Unfortunately, music education is routinely—and mistakenly—undervalued.
Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all other studies, have enhanced critical thinking skills and pursue higher education.
Schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate, while schools without have an average rate of 72.9%.
Music programs are constantly in danger of being cut, and student participation has experienced the largest decline of any academic subject.
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. Unfortunately, music education is routinely—and mistakenly—undervalued.
Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all other studies, have enhanced critical thinking skills and pursue higher education.
Schools with music programs have an estimated 90.2% graduation rate, while schools without have an average rate of 72.9%.
Music programs are constantly in danger of being cut, and student participation has experienced the largest decline of any academic subject.
The Guitar Center Music Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization. Through instrument grants and donations, we help ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible.
The Guitar Center Music Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization. Through instrument grants and donations, we help ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible.
The Guitar Center Music Foundation believes that music participation helps people reach the heights of human potential and is foundational to a healthy society. Founded in 2005, the Foundation has reached over 300,000 people through instrument grants to schools and music therapy programs.
Raised for music programs through the Round Up Your Change program in 2022
Music programs supported in 2022
Percent of donations given back to the community
Number of donations received through the Round Up Your Change program in 2022
People impacted through our grants in 2022
States served with instrument grants
The Guitar Center Music Foundation believes that music participation helps people reach the heights of human potential and is foundational to a healthy society. Founded in 2005, the Foundation has reached over 300,000 people through instrument grants to schools and music therapy programs.
Raised for music programs through the Round Up Your Change program in 2022
Music programs supported in 2022
Percent of donations given back to the community
Number of donations received through the Round Up Your Change program in 2022
People impacted through our grants in 2022
States served with instrument grants
GCMF Featured on Disney+ show “Rennervations”
GCMF provided music gear and equipment for a renovated bus that was turned into a mobile recording studio for The Base in Chicago. Musician and actor, Jeremy Renner, turned the project into a tv show on Disney+. Check out our episode: “Chicago: Building a Mobile Music Bus” featuring Vanessa Hudgens.
APRIL 2023
Annual Benefit Concert Honoring Pete Escovedo & Local Teachers
We held our annual benefit concert and fundraiser on March 30 at the Canyon Club. The musical entertainment for the evening included a special segment honoring Pete Escovedo, who received the first annual Lifetime Achievement Award. Other special performances included Macy Gray, Robby Krieger of the Doors, Brian O’Neal of The Busboys, Judith Hill and The E Family Band.
MARCH 2023
GCMF Provides Support for Musically Fed, Fighting Hunger
Musically Fed, a non-profit organization, mobilizes the music industry in the fight against hunger. They work with artists, promoters, and venues nationwide to donate unused, backstage meals to the homeless, veterans, and food insecure communities.
FEBRUARY 2023
GCMF, Pies Descalzos Foundation, and Playing for Change join forces in Colombia
Shakira’s foundation. Pies Descalzos, and Playing for Change are bringing music education to Quibdó, Colombia. The project entitled “Music for Peace and Coexistence” aims to create a musical peace band for the youth to express themselves musically. GCMF donated over 100 insttruments for this endeavor.
JANUARY 2023
GCMF Partners with Challenge America to Provide over 100 Guitars to Veterans with PTSD
Each month Challenge America provides a Music Therapy Retreat for veterans who use the healing power of music to cope with post-traumatic stress. The veterans are paired with professional songwriters and present an original song at the end of the retreat.
DECEMBER 2022
GCMF Donates Drums for ICYOLA’s New Drum Corps
Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), the largest majority Black orchestra in the country, has developed a new drum line to add to its programming. GCMF donated quads, snares, tenors, and bass drums. The students learn the fundamentals of drumming, reading music, and performing.
NOVEMBER 2022
“I’m living proof of what … music education can do for an adolescent. Before Upbeat, I didn’t know music was my calling or had the confidence to figure out … investing in something that’s going to help polish the next generation’s future … this program is something I want all children to have access to and be able to have that creative outlet.”
– GCMF Grantee Upbeat Academy
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May 12, 2023 Trawick Appointed to Guitar Center Foundation's Board of DirectorsMUSIC CONNECTIONLEARN MORE |
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May 12, 2023 The Guitar Center Music Foundation appoints Herb Trawick to its Board of DirectorsMMR MAGAZINELEARN MORE |
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April 19, 2023 NOVA Academy to Introduce Mariachi as the First Official Music Program to be Taught at the Early College High SchoolPR WEBLEARN MORE |
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March 31, 2023 Guitar Center Music Foundation Hosts 2023 Benefit Concert/Fundraiser ft. Pete Escovedo, Robby Krieger, Macy Gray, MoreROCK CELLAR MAGAZINELEARN MORE |
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February 22, 2023 Guitar Center Music Foundation Expands Philanthropic EffortsMUSIC CONNECTIONLEARN MORE |
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October 27, 2022 Music foundations replace instruments Marrero Middle School band lost during Hurricane IdaGAMBITLEARN MORE |
Trawick Appointed to Guitar Center Foundation’s Board of Directors
MUSIC CONNECTION LEARN MORE
The Guitar Center Music Foundation appoints Herb Trawick to its Board of Directors
MMR MAGAZINELEARN MORE
NOVA Academy to Introduce Mariachi as the First Official Music Program to be Taught at the Early College High School
PR WEB LEARN MORE
Guitar Center Music Foundation Hosts 2023 Benefit Concert/Fundraiser ft. Pete Escovedo, Robby Krieger, Macy Gray, More
ROCK CELLAR MAGAZINE LEARN MORE
Guitar Center Music Foundation Expands Philanthropic Efforts
MUSIC CONNECTIONLEARN MORE
Music foundations replace instruments Marrero Middle School band lost during Hurricane Ida
GAMBITLEARN MORE
MAKE A
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.
