Our Mission

The Music For Life Alliance is a 501c(3) tax exempt, not for profit charity that facilitates the efforts of individuals and organizations making music learning accessible to young people who may not otherwise be able to experience the educational, psychological, and social benefits of making music. Through awards, grants and recognition, and by creating and maintaining a national database, the Music For Life Alliance helps support and unify grassroots efforts across the country.

MFLA Award Recipients

This month's featured organization

"San Diego Center for Children." (SDCC)

Founded in 1887, the San Diego Center for Children (SDCC) is San Diego’s oldest accredited non-profit organization. Today, SDCC has become a leader in providing mental health services to children and families within our community. We offer a variety of programs for children facing behavioral, emotional, social, and educational challenges.

Sundiata Kata`s drum circle celebrates children. As of 2009, Music Program Director, Sundiata Kata has spent four decades teaching troubled young people to work out their frustrations and aggressions with music. After taking a job in the late sixties as a social worker with the San Diego Center for Children, eventually earning such acclaim that June 18, 2009, was declared Sundiata Kata Day by the mayor of San Diego.

This professional musician has taught dozens of classes on singing, drumming, even the ukulele. For his students, Kata insists, music is no frill: “It’s a way for these kids to communicate.”

The magic and power of music is changing the lives of children at the San Diego Center for Children. Our Performing Arts Program is restoring trust and hope in children who have suffered abuse, trauma, or have severe developmental behavioral problems. Through music, our children are coping with their pain and aggressions.

Our hands-on Music Program, with Director, Sundiata Kata and his staff, offer multiple opportunities for children and adolescents to get involved in a positive musical experience of health and wellness.

Muriel Presents the "Those Who Make A Difference" Award to Sundiata Kata.

San Diego Center for Children
Main Campus/Administrative Offices
3002 Armstrong St.
San Diego, CA 92111-5798

ph: (858) 277-9550
fx: (858) 279-2763
contact SDCC

Visit Past Featured Organizations ...

Awards and Recognition for Organizations Making a Difference

There are a growing number of individuals and organizations stepping up to the great need for kids to learn music, in the face of ever-growing cutbacks in the arts. We believe that these organizations need support and recognition for the positive impact they are having on our next generation of citizens. MFLA grants and awards, as well as our community of sharing resources are but a few ways to encourage their work and dedication. If you have a recommendation for our next MFLA awards, please email Al Norton.

Expanding Our Database of Organizations Making a Difference

Whether you have needs for your music program or have an instrument or time/services to donate, Music for Life Alliance is set up to help you. Explore our Links Page to locate worthy organizations in your area or who may be in need of your resources. You may also download our database from here in a format more friendly to your system and software:
- Member Database in PDF format (457KB)
- Member Database in XLS format (851KB)

Do you have an organization capable of giving musical instruments and lessons to kids who my not otherwise experience the joy of making music? Please contact Al Norton and join our "Organizations Making A Difference."

The organizations listed in our database are mostly nonprofit. We make every effort to research them to keep them updated and assure their effectiveness. However, also contact them yourself, as nonprofits may change and we cannot claim responsibility for any of the organizations listed here. We appreciate any feedback you may have.