Eight Music Charities That Give Back in the Best Way

1. Nordoff Robbins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKRuhIXvw6A It all began in 1959, when American composer Paul Nordoff and special-ed teacher Clive Robbins developed a form of collaborative music-making programs to engage children with special needs. They called it “therapy through music.” After many years of thorough research and work, they decided to open the first ever Nordoff Robbins Centre in 1982 to continue their practices and programs for kids in need in Kentish Town, North London. The center contributed to Master Music Therapy programs for future teachers while also raising awareness through concerts, like their 1991 fundraiser, which included performances by Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, and many others. With the mantra “Music Changes Lives,” Nordoff Robbins acts as the largest independent music-therapy charity in the United Kingdom. By supporting thousands in need through the power of music therapy, Nordoff Robbins aims to facilitate physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Their vision is to expose music therapy to the world and to bring this life-changing method of therapy to as many people as possible. 2. The Tyler Robinson Foundation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FovlwdOgH0s Tyler Robinson showed both Imagine Dragons and so many others amazing strength when it came to dealing with his illness. At age 16, Tyler was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and instead of facing life with anger and animosity, he took the high road and dedicated the little time he had left to spreading positivity. His love for music and inspiring story spoke volumes, especially to indie-rock band Imagine Dragons. One of Tyler’s favorite lyrics from their song “It’s Time” states, “The road to heaven runs through miles of clouded hell.” When the band heard about this, they dedicated the song to him at a show, which sparked their long-lasting friendship. Determined to continue Tyler’s legacy of creating something positive despite the odds, his family and members of Imagine Dragons came together to create the Tyler Robinson Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to financially and emotionally strengthen families who also face the same obstacles that Tyler and his family did. The foundation provides hope, information, and relief through financial services, caring volunteers, and monetary grants for those families in need. 3. Insomniac Cares https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWP0sxA7ZNw Responsible for such incredible events as Electric Daisy Carnival, Escape, Life Is Beautiful, and more, Insomniac Events created Insomniac Cares. Pledging to make a positive impact on the local neighborhoods surrounding where their events are held, Insomniac Cares allocates $1 per ticket sold to nonprofit organizations focusing on art and education, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability. Being a fairly new charity, Insomniac Cares has managed to raise more than $1.1 million and have donated to more than 30 nonprofit organizations. They strive to support their communities while creating memorable events nationwide. 4. REVERB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhenC3AvH-Q Founded in 2004 by Lauren Sullivan and her husband, Guster’s Adam Gardner, REVERB aims to create and execute concert tours with the environment in mind. With the positive “work-with” approach, REVERB aims to provide customizable programs for bands and concertgoers alike, spreading the message to go green wherever they can. Since its inception, REVERB has helped reduce 117,000 tons of carbon dioxide and have instituted green practices on more than 189 tours. 5. Silverlake Conservatory of Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=523YdmqldOs Music education at an early age is imperative for successful musicians. This was extremely important for Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist — and onetime advanced jazz trumpeter, Michael “Flea” Balzary. While visiting his former high school, he witnessed that the beloved music program that shaped him had been dramatically cut due to fiscal budgeting. With the realization of this shortcoming, he joined forces with former classmate Keith Barry to create the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. Their mission was to facilitate a dynamic musical education through scholarships and affordable music programs available to those who could not seek it otherwise. Since 2001 they have beyond succeeded and continue to provide a nurturing music environments for aspiring music students everywhere. 6. Music Saves Lives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Velz6G8vNUw A VIP concert experience is as easy as giving blood with Music Saves Lives. With an inspiring community saving mission, Music Saves Lives aims to educate concertgoers about important lifesaving concepts like blood donation, blood drives, and bone marrow–transplant registration. By participating with Music Saves Lives, you gain a VIP ticket to participating concerts. Their message says it all: “Saving Lives Has Never Sounded So Good.” 7. HeadCount https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Lt2lp5yeI The importance of the right to vote should not go unnoticed, and HeadCount is there to make sure that all music fans are exercising those given rights. Having registered more than 300,000 voters since 2004, HeadCount continues to inform and empower concertgoers, volunteers, and musicians alike. This organization encourages people to “speak to be heard” while translating political issues into real action. Notable board members include Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Marc Brownstein of the Disco Biscuits, and our very own Peter Shapiro. Make sure to go out and vote. 8. Music for Relief https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJK9cmIa64U After seeing the devastation caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Linkin Park couldn’t stand by and watch, so instead, they acted. Founded by the band in 2005, Music for Relief aims to help survivors of natural disasters recover and rebuild their lives. Through concert benefits, online auctions, and events with multiplatinum artists, this organization has been able to raise more than $7 million to those affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the earthquakes in Japan and Haiti. MFR has also planted more than 1.3 million trees in efforts to reduce climate change.