One of the reasons that I am so intrigued by music is that it is such a powerful and emotional medium. It can motivate us, it can soothe us, it can encourage us (for you “Eye of the Tiger” fans), it can get us fired up (think pre-game basketball music), etc. I could go on but you get the drift.
One of the reasons I decided to get into the music business was to create opportunities for using music to be an encouraging force in making a difference in people’s lives. As part of that, I’ve decided that every Monday I’m going to highlight different ways that we can make a difference in people’s lives through music. I’m going to borrow the phrase that you’ve heard before and call it “Make A Difference Monday’s”.
If you’re already using your music, and your time, to help a group of people or an organization, I applaud your efforts. That’s awesome. Please keep it up and encourage others to do so. Also, I’d really appreciate you sharing how you, or your band, are using your music to “make a difference”.
As the school year starts across country I’d like to give you a few ideas as to how you can help school kids where you live. Unfortunately, the arts can be the first place for school districts to look to cut funding. So here is a few ideas to get you thinking:
- Volunteer to be the band director (or maybe as a sub)
- Offer to teach lessons to kids who can’t afford them
- Organize your fans and friends to have an instrument drive to collect instruments for the school.
- Volunteer to play at the school for programs, special needs classes, etc.
- Give a one day seminar on what it’s like to play in a band.
- Play a joint show with music students from the school (the kids would love that !)
- Donate the proceeds from one of your shows, albums, etc. to a school program in your area.
What other ways have you helped the music programs in your community?