Michael Allen Harrison's Play It Forward

Ensuring equal access to the M.A.G.I.C. of Music by providing musical instruments, instruction and inspiring opportunities to students in need throughout the Pacific Northwest. We do this by providing reliable, no-cost, skill building music lessons to students regardless of income, ability, proximity or any other barrier that stands between a potential students and their musical education. We do this because we believe in the M.A.G.I.C. of Music. Studies show that learning a musical instrument supports Mental wellness, Agility, Grit, Independence & Community, all vital to the healthy development of young children.

We are currently serving over 200 students per week with the M.A.G.I.C. of music lessons and are focused on creating equal access where there has been no opportunity for generations. Our lessons are offered to schools who are in neighborhoods that have experienced redlining and other inequities due to race and we are proud to say that over 70% of our students are from the BIPOC community.

Annual music recitals punctuate every child's learning experience with Play It Forward and we look forward to celebrating each child's accomplishments in the Spring. In addition, each child is given an instrument to call their own for life. Many of these instruments are donated by Portlanders who want to make a difference in their community.

We look forward to broadening our donor base and influence as we continue to add schools and grow our programming!