GIVING EVERYONE THE POWER TO CREATE AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES THROUGH MUSIC
GIVING EVERYONE THE POWER TO CREATE AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES THROUGH MUSIC
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. 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.

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. 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.

HOW WE SUPPORT

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.

HOW WE SUPPORT

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.

OUR IMPACT

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

OUR IMPACT

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

OUR PROJECTS

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

MEDIA

May 12, 2023

Trawick Appointed to Guitar Center Foundation's Board of Directors

   

MUSIC CONNECTIONLEARN MORE  

May 12, 2023

The Guitar Center Music Foundation appoints Herb Trawick to its Board of Directors

   

MMR MAGAZINELEARN MORE  

April 19, 2023

NOVA Academy to Introduce Mariachi as the First Official Music Program to be Taught at the Early College High School

   

PR WEBLEARN MORE  

March 31, 2023

Guitar Center Music Foundation Hosts 2023 Benefit Concert/Fundraiser ft. Pete Escovedo, Robby Krieger, Macy Gray, More

   

ROCK CELLAR MAGAZINELEARN MORE  

February 22, 2023

Guitar Center Music Foundation Expands Philanthropic Efforts

   

MUSIC CONNECTIONLEARN MORE  

October 27, 2022

Music foundations replace instruments Marrero Middle School band lost during Hurricane Ida

   

GAMBITLEARN MORE  

MEDIA
May 12, 2023

Trawick Appointed to Guitar Center Foundation’s Board of Directors

MUSIC CONNECTION LEARN MORE

May 12, 2023

The Guitar Center Music Foundation appoints Herb Trawick to its Board of Directors

MMR MAGAZINELEARN MORE

April 19, 2023

NOVA Academy to Introduce Mariachi as the First Official Music Program to be Taught at the Early College High School

PR WEB LEARN MORE

March 31, 2023

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
February 22, 2023

Guitar Center Music Foundation Expands Philanthropic Efforts

 
 
MUSIC CONNECTIONLEARN MORE

October 27, 2022

Music foundations replace instruments Marrero Middle School band lost during Hurricane Ida

 
 
GAMBITLEARN MORE

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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. ©2023 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. ©2023 Guitarcenter.com. | Privacy Policy