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

W.O. Smith Music School

W.O. Smith Music School makes affordable, quality music instruction available to children from low-income families. We transform lives through music. The W.O. Smith Music School has introduced thousands of interested and deserving children to the world of music.

Through hard work and perseverance, W.O. Smith earned a PhD, was the professor of music at Tennessee State University, a member of the Nashville Symphony, and a noted jazz bassist. He played with the great jazz players of the time, including Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. He had a dream that by offering musical instruction to low-income families that these children could change their lives also.

In 1984, his dream became a reality, when the W.O. Smith Music School opened its doors. Currently the school has over 400 students enrolled in over 500 classes. Beyond the classroom, the school encourages participation in community cultural life through concert attendance and performance.

W.O. Smith Music School
1125 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203

615-255-8355
www.wosmith.org

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 (477KB)
- Member Database in XLS format (856KB)

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.