For some, music may be just a hobby. But for others, music serves as a crucial lifeline – a path to healing, an opportunity to nurture untapped talent, an escape from the grim realities of everyday life, a break from generational trauma, or the start of a social revolution. Thousands of individuals nationwide benefit yearly from the foundation’s grants and other efforts aiding veterans, hospital patients, the unhoused, and those affected by natural disasters, as well as youth in both schools and after-school programs.
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.
For some, music may be just a hobby. But for others, music serves as a crucial lifeline – a path to healing, an opportunity to nurture untapped talent, an escape from the grim realities of everyday life, a break from generational trauma, or the start of a social revolution. Thousands of individuals nationwide benefit yearly from the foundation’s grants and other efforts aiding veterans, hospital patients, the unhoused, and those affected by natural disasters, as well as youth in both schools and after-school programs. 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 dedicated to the healing, transformative power of music. 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 dedicated to the healing, transformative power of music. 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.
Total revenue raised for music programs
Music programs supported in 2023
Percent of Round Up donations given back to the community
Grants given
People impacted through our grants in 2023
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.
Total revenue raised for music programs
Music programs supported in 2023
Percent of Round Up donations given back to the community
Grants given
People impacted through our grants in 2023
States served with instrument grants
Zendaya and GCMF contribute to West Oakland Middle School
GCMF was one of the organizations contributing to a large-scale charitable effort in Oakland spearheaded by superstar actor and singer Zendaya. The project began as an effort to rejuvenate the basketball courts and grew in scope to include the neighboring middle school. The school received a $5,000 grant and a brand new curtain for their auditorium.
AUGUST 2023
Art Rock LA
Art Rock LA brought together music lovers and art lovers to raise money for GCMF. At the world renown NRG Studios, JD Shultz, Jessica Downs, and Mr. Dripping displayed artwork and special performances by Joao Coronel, Trinity Bliss, and Tim Johnson Jr.
JULY 2023
Celebrating Charlie Gabriel’s 91st Birthday at Preservation Hall
What did Charlie want for his birthday? To give instruments to upcoming talented students and pass on the traditions of New Orleans music. GCMF worked with former grantee Jeremy Williams from Marrero Middle School and granted two trombones to young students.
JUNE 2023
GCMF Partners with Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom
Guitars & Ukes in the Classroom (GITC) expands the role of music in education by preparing teachers to play, sing, lead and integrate hands-on music along with academic and social emotional learning. GCMF recently supported their mariachi initiative in San Francisco and donated 48 guitars and 5 ukuleles to schools in San Francisco and San Diego.
APRIL 2023
GCMF Provides 60 Ukuleles to Musical Mentors
Founded in 2007, Musical Mentors decided that if they provided youth with access to quality music lessons which they may not otherwise be able to afford, along with mentors who serve as positive role models, almost every family and child would jump at the chance. They’ve already served over 1,000 students! Not only that, but all those students are able to actually earn their instruments and keep them forever!
APRIL 2023
GCMF Provides Support For New Mariachi Program in Santa Ana
Joyous, cathartic yells—or “gritos”—will fill the halls of NOVA Academy Early College High School when mariachi comes to the school as its first official music program. Mariachi Joya, an electrifying 20-member student mariachi band from Las Vegas High School, performed during the assembly to generate excitement and inspire the student body. GCMF provided 18 Guitars, 6 Vihuelas and 6 Guitarrónes.
APRIL 2023
“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
 |
April 9, 2024 Ernie Isley Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Center Music FoundationEURWEB.COMLEARN MORE |
 |
April 6, 2024 Ernie Isley Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From Guitar Center Music FoundationBILLBOARDLEARN MORE |
 |
April 6, 2024 Ernie Isley is Honored with the Lifetime Achievent Award by the Guitar Center Music FoundationNEWHD MEDIALEARN MORE |
 |
March 25, 2024 Guitar Center Music Foundation: 2024 Benefit Concert Honoring Ernie Isley Set for April 4 at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in LAROCK CELLARLEARN MORE |
 |
March 5, 2024 The Guitar Center Music Foundation to Honor Music Legend Ernie Isley at its Third Annual Benefit ConcertMUSIC CONNECTIONLEARN MORE |
 |
February 8, 2024 Graham 4th Graders Repay Gift Of Music With JoyPATCHLEARN MORE |
Ernie Isley Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Guitar Center Music Foundation
EURWEB.COMLEARN MORE
Ernie Isley Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From Guitar Center Music Foundation
BILLBOARDLEARN MORE
Ernie Isley is Honored with the Lifetime Achievent Award by the Guitar Center Music Foundation
NEWHD MEDIALEARN MORE
Guitar Center Music Foundation: 2024 Benefit Concert Honoring Ernie Isley Set for April 4 at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in LA
ROCK CELLARLEARN MORE
The Guitar Center Music Foundation to Honor Music Legend Ernie Isley at its Third Annual Benefit Concert
MUSIC CONNECTION LEARN MORE
Graham 4th Graders Repay Gift Of Music With Joy
PATCHLEARN 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.
