Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Music has the power to inspire, to entertain, even to heal. At If Not for Music our Mission is to empower the performer and the listener through the gift of music to create musical journeys that transform the lives of both.
We achieve this by:
Providing musical instruments and materials to talented or aspiring musicians in need, especially those in underserved communities
Providing financial support for those studying music for careers as performers, educators, composers, or directors
Promoting community engagement through musical performances for the enjoyment of everyone, with particular emphasis on school-based programs; and conducting special events to raise funds for our work
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
~ Plato
Our Vision
Our Vision reflects the universal recognition that, “Where words fail, music speaks.” (Hans Christian Andersen), that “Music is a profound magical form of communication.” (English soprano Lesley Garrett), and that music can “…express the inexpressible.” (Aldous Huxley).
These statements guide our work as we aspire to be a catalyst to bring people together through the gift of music. Musical experiences, for the performer and the listener, can be transforming, and so we also aspire to be agents of change to transform lives. There beats in the heart of aspiring musicians a desire to “speak” their truths, to communicate, perhaps to even, as Maya Angelou said, to seek refuge in music. We want to serve, especially those in need, so that their voices can be heard, and their music shared with communities of listeners as a fundamental expression of the human spirit. Essentially, we seek to promote music actively and mindfully for the common good.