You’ve been practicing and taking music lessons for a while. Are you looking for your next musical challenge? Playing with other musicians is one of the quickest ways to improve, and with National Volunteer Week coming up (April 21-27, 2013), why not make a impact in your community by volunteering your talents?
Music has the ability to touch people in powerful ways, and can be a great tool for volunteer projects. Here are some rewarding ideas for using music to benefit your community.
How Do Musicians Give Back?
Are you a musician hoping to give back to your local community? Here are some volunteer opportunities with music you need to know about:
- Volunteer at events and galas
- Work with specific organizations
- Volunteer at hospitals or nursing homes
- Work at festivals and concerts for free
- Volunteer with church groups
- Online music volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer with education through music
Now that you know a few ways to give back, all that’s left is to start practicing! Sign up for music lessons today and learn about more of the benefits of doing so by watching the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbdW1SXTe_g
How to Set Up Volunteering With Music
One of the best ways to give back to your community is through volunteer work. And what better way to do that than with music? Here are a few tips on how to get started:
Find a local organization that aligns with your interests. There are plenty of opportunities out there, so do some research and find one that speaks to you.
Reach out to the organization and express your interest in volunteering. Be sure to include your qualifications and availability.
Once you’re accepted, take the time to familiarize yourself with the organization’s mission and goals. This will help you be more effective in your volunteering role.
When it comes time to actually performing, be professional and courteous. Remember that you’re representing the organization, so make them proud!
After your time has ended, take a moment to reflect on your experience. What went well? What could be improved next time? Volunteer work is an ongoing process, so always be open to learning and growing.
By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a rewarding experience volunteering with music. Not only will you be helping others, but you’ll also have the opportunity to develop your own skills as a musician.
Volunteer Opportunities With Music
Volunteering with music can be a rewarding experience for both you and the organization or cause you’re helping.
Ready to start volunteering with music? Here are some ideas to get you started…
Volunteer at events and galas
Non-profit or community events always need entertainment! Often these events are for great causes, and it’s also an awesome way to get your name out there, network, and find new fans! If you’re already part of a group or band, try reaching out to specific organizations and expressing your interest in helping out. Better yet, why not organize your own benefit concert?
Volunteer with specific organizations
There are tons of organizations and non-profits that deal specifically with the music industry and music education. The San Diego Music Foundation, for example, coordinates several events throughout the year that require volunteer help. Their Guitars for Schools program provides Taylor guitars for San Diego-area elementary and middle schools for use in classroom and after-school music activities.
Musicians on Call is another amazing program that sends volunteer musicians to hospitals and other healthcare facilities to share the power of music. Its branches are located in New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Miami, DC, and Los Angeles. Not in one of those major cities? Not to worry. VolunteerMatch.org is an awesome resource for finding organizations in your area that are looking for help!
Volunteer directly at hospitals or nursing homes
Music is used as a therapeutic tool in many hospitals and nursing homes across the country. Try contacting your local hospital to see if they’re accepting volunteer musicians. Opportunities at hospitals can range from performing to actually teaching music to patients. If you’re considering music therapy as a career path, try looking into internship positions, also!
Volunteer at festivals and concerts
Even if you don’t play an instrument, music fans can get involved with the community by volunteering at music festivals and concerts. If you’re interested in music promotions or event planning, you can learn a lot about this important part of the music industry, as well as connect with other music lovers!
Church groups
Music is a huge part of many different religions, incorporated into worship services, religious ceremonies, and of course, weddings and funerals. Check with your congregation to see if there are opportunities to perform and help out. Piano and guitar are perhaps the most popular instruments found here, but solo opportunities exist for practically any musician, depending on your community’s style.
Online music volunteer opportunities
The internet has opened up a world of opportunity for music lovers who want to volunteer their time and talents. There are now numerous online platforms that connect musicians with charities and other organizations in need of their skills.
For example, the website Volunteer Musicians allows users to search for opportunities by location, musical genre, and instrument. Whether you’re looking to teach music to underprivileged children or perform at a fundraising event, there’s likely an opportunity that’s perfect for you. And best of all, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.
So if you’re passionate about music and looking for a way to give back, consider signing up for one of these online music volunteer opportunities today.
Volunteer with Education Through Music
Education Through Music (ETM) is a national organization that partners with under-resourced schools to provide music education programs. ETM believes that all children deserve the opportunity to learn music, and that music can play a powerful role in supporting academic achievement and personal development.
As a result, ETM programs are designed to supplement existing school curricula and support the overall goals of the school. Volunteer opportunities with ETM are varied and can include serving as a teaching assistant in a music class, helping to organize after-school performances, or providing administrative support.
Whether you have a background in music or not, there is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of ETM students. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit ETM’s website today.
Start your own music nonprofit
If you’re passionate about music and want to make a difference in the world, starting your own music nonprofit is a great way to do it. Here’s how and why you should start your own music nonprofit.
As a music nonprofit, you’ll be able to use your passion for music to make a difference in the world. You’ll be able to use your skills and talents to help others, and you’ll be able to use your platform to raise awareness for important causes. Plus, you’ll be able to connect with other like-minded individuals who are also passionate about making a difference.
Starting your own music nonprofit is a great way to make a difference in the world. You’ll be able to use your passion for music to help others, and you’ll be able to use your platform to raise awareness for important causes. So if you’re ready to make a difference, now is the time to start your own music nonprofit.
Donate your instruments
Donating your old musical instruments can be a great way to help others while decluttering your home.
There are many places that accept instrument donations, such as schools, music programs, and local organizations. When choosing a donation site, it is important to research the organization to make sure that your donation will be used in a way that aligns with your values.
For example, some organizations may resell the instruments to raise funds, while others may give them directly to people in need. Once you have found a suitable donation site, simply drop off your instrument or arrange for it to be picked up. Donating your old musical instruments is a great way to make a difference in your community.
Volunteering with Music: Sounds Like A Great Way to Give Back!
Volunteering with music is a great way to make a difference in your community and have a lot of fun too. These ideas should give you some good starting points for finding the right opportunity for you.
Sign up for music lessons today – and start putting those skills to good use ASAP!
Have you volunteered with music before? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Photo by Mark Brannan
Suzy S.