– JESSICA BARON
Founder, Guitars in the Classroom – Like many lifelong musicians, I will tell you that making music undoubtedly saved my sanity through a lonely and tumultuous childhood, gave my private experiences and reflections a voice in turbulent adolescence, brought me … Read more…
– MANUEL RODRIGUEZ, JR.
Manuel Rodriguez and Sons Guitars – I started making guitars after school, when I was 11 years old. I started by making rosettes with my father and have been building guitars for the rest of my life. The guitars we … Read more…
– PAUL REED SMITH
President, PRS Guitars – Q: What would your life be without music? A: Music makes life tolerable, and at times downright joyful. As an example, I’ve never seen anyone with an I-pod on that was in a bad mood. … Read more…
– FELICE MANCINI
Executive Director of The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation – It is only recently, in the last 8 years, that I have been involved first hand in music education. It has been an education for me, learning what the issues are … Read more…
– TIMOTHY DRURY
Whitesnake – At first, playing music for me was a way to get out of having to play sports. I was no good at any sport and couldn’t seem to really get along that well with the other kids in … Read more…
– FLEA
Red Hot Chili Peppers – I am the luckiest man in the world. Music has always been there to take care of me in my darkest hours, it has never failed me. As a youngster, I was pretty wild, out … Read more…
– RICH WINER
Some of my best childhood memories revolve around music and the music education I received in school. I remember our elementary school music teacher, Mrs. Lee, playing Joni Mitchell’s Circle Game on the guitar for our first grade class. I … Read more…
– THE SUMMERS
For us, music is more than just notes and melody. It’s deeper than that. Music is a feeling, like another emotion. It’s a way of expressing ourselves individually and collectively. When we’re either practicing or playing on stage or even … Read more…
– DAN SMITH
Former Board Member – Music has been one of the most important things in my life and I attribute much of my success and intellect to my participation and ambition related to music. I believe that music education is an … Read more…
– NICK STERLING
Music has been a big part of my life ever since I can remember. I got a little drum set at the age of 2, my first guitar for my sixth birthday, and started playing upright bass in the school … Read more…
– TIM POHLMAN
Co-founder, Riviera Broadcast Group, LLC – Music has been a very prominent and important part of my life. I have been in the radio/music industry for 27 years, exposed to multiple music formats (alternative rock, oldies, country, smooth jazz, hip … Read more…
– DAVE MASON
Dave Mason first encountered fame as one of the founding members of Traffic. His long career includes stints with Delaney & Bonnie and Fleetwood Mac, collaboration with Mama Cass and a solo career. Mason taught himself how to create music … Read more…
– DON LOMBARDI
Founder of Drum Workshop, Inc., and DrumChannel.com – At nine years old I knew I wanted to be a drummer. There was something about music that was fun, inspired, motivated and challenged me. I was a professional musician for 20 … Read more…
– ROBERT KNIGHT
Rock and Roll Photographer – Music gave me everything that I am to day. Finding a discarded magazine from a British tourist while walking the streets of Waikiki, seeing the ad for the Heanor Record Center, I sent away for … Read more…
– ALLEN KEPLER
Founder of The Smooth Jazz Network – When I was in 6th grade at Frances Willard elementary, I was a kid that got pretty good grades, sat in the back of the class when I could and feared being called … Read more…
– RAYMOND LOUIS KENNEDY
Hit songwriter, singer and producer – Q: What would your life be without music? A: Without music in my life, I would never have had so many wonderful experiences. Because of music I have traveled to places that as a … Read more…
– CATHERINE GENZLER
Former Board Member – World-beat, chamber, gospel and rock: All are descriptive words for music in a variety of forms. In my lifetime–in different parts of the world–music has been a constant companion, bringing me comfort in times of trial … Read more…
– MICK FLEETWOOD
Q: What would your life be without music? A: My life without music is so very hard to imagine. One thing for sure is that losing my ‘home’ in which to express my emotions (music) would leave me very empty. … Read more…
– VIC FIRTH
I started in the music business at age 4 — playing the cornet! I had the worst embouchure and sound you ever heard. I went from there to 50 years with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Solo Timpanist. In other … Read more…
– DON FELDER
World renowned musician Don Felder was one of the five members and guitarist of the rock group The Eagles. He wrote the music for their biggest hit, the multi Grammy award winning song “Hotel California.” With 14 Grammy nominations and 4 … Read more…
– JOE BONAMASSA
I am very excited to be a part of the Foundation. I firmly believe that the children are the future of roots music in this country. Getting instruments into their hands is imperative to its survival. Seeing the way music changes … Read more…
– NUNO BETTENCOURT
Music… is fuel for the soul. It’s oxygen. We can’t really see it in the airwaves, but we can feel it, and feel a need for it. You see as hard as life gets at times for all of us, … Read more…
– LARRY THOMAS
Founder of Guitar Center Music Foundation and former CEO of Guitar Center, Inc. – Dear Friends, For almost 30 years, I worked to help build and grow the largest musical instrument retailer in … Read more…