The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (MHOF) was inspired by the acclaimed motion picture Mr. Holland’s Opus, the story of the profound effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students. The film's composer, Michael Kamen, founded MHOF in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education.

MHOF donates both new and refurbished instruments to school and after-school music programs that lack the resources to keep up with equipment loss due to attrition, depreciation and wear over time, and to accommodate students on waiting lists or who have to share instruments. An infusion of instruments enables more students to participate and to experience a quality music education. It is vital that efforts are made to give youngsters every tool available within the small window of time when they can make the most of their education, and experience the benefits inherent in learning to play music.

When selected to receive a grant, MHOF distributes excellently refurbished instruments and purchases new instruments that become the property of the program. MHOF's program staff follows the process from start to finish. If repairs are requested, an estimate for the cost of the repairs is submitted by the local music store, and when repairs are complete the instruments are returned to the school in a timely manner. MHOF purchases good, quality products that will last for many years, allowing generations of students to use them.

Every year, an average of 10,000 young people across the country benefit from MHOF Programs. Students who can't afford to rent an instrument and kids on waiting lists are given an opportunity to play quality instruments which improves their experience and inspires them to accomplish more and more. A grant from MHOF elevates the music program and elicits more support and demand for music education for all students. Schools have fewer discipline problems, higher attendance and have more kids graduate when they are involved in the music program. Kids learn a skill and positive behaviors that will last well into their lives.

The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation keeps music alive in our schools and communities by donating musical instruments to under-funded music programs, giving youngsters the many benefits of music education, helping them to be better students and inspiring creativity and expression through playing music.

MHOF Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation 4370 Tujunga Avenue, Suite 330 Studio City, CA 91604 phone: (818) 762-4328 fax: (818) 762-4329 info@mhopus.org