Are you looking for ways to give back to your community?
Many musicians understand the importance of volunteering but as busy professionals, it can be challenging to find the time to give back.
So how can you find an opportunity that supports a cause you care about, fits into your busy schedule, AND uses your natural skills as a musician?
Here are five ways to help others through your music.
Volunteer at assisted living and other facilities
Many people in assisted living can feel depressed, lonely, or afraid. Of course, volunteering in the traditional sense may alleviate some of these hardships, but music therapy has been proven to have enormous benefits to people in these facilities.
In fact, music can help memory recovery in dementia and alzheimers patients, as “recent studies show that allowing those with Alzheimer’s an opportunity to reminisce, either through music, videos or pictures, can help them to better remember their past.”
You can bring music and joy to an assisted living center or even to the bedside of a hospital patient to turn their otherwise bad day around.
Play at community events and fundraising
Music is a great motivator for people to get out and do something. That’s why many event organizers enlist musicians to come and play.
This is your opportunity to help raise money for a charity whose cause and values align with yours. Many charities and nonprofits rely on help from the community, and your music can help bring in the money they need to further their cause and make a difference.
Performing your music live for a fundraiser can help draw a bigger crowd for any charitable organization. Not only does this mean that there are more people to give to the charity, but it also helps to get the name out about the organization and their cause.
Wondering which events are right for you? Choose from hundreds of great causes to raise money for.
Start a nonprofit
Now, of course this is a bigger project to take on but it’s still a worthwhile one!
Chances are that your musical talents aren’t the only skills that you possess—so, if you’ve got the business skills, consider starting your own nonprofit.
Our clients have started many nonprofits, bringing together multidisciplinary artists to diverse audiences around the globe.
Not only do nonprofits allow you to take charge of how you use your talent and creativity, they also give you a platform to connect with others and bring your important message into the world.
Of course, it will be hard work! As Rutgers explains that people who plan on starting their own nonprofit “must be experts in community outreach, marketing, law, finance, taxes, and public policy — at the bare minimum.“
However, if you possess the skills, or are willing to learn them, no one is more apt to run a record label than a musician.
Teach others
How many times have you heard someone say, “I wish I learned how to play an instrument.”?
There are several ways you can volunteer your time to teaching music: after-school music programs, private tutoring lessons, or even volunteering at a dwindling music and arts program at your local public school.
And who knows, if you love it, you may even want to start a nonprofit to reach more potential students.
Donate your instruments
During your journey of going from a novice to an expert musician, you may go through several instruments.
It is important to keep in mind that others may like to go through the same journey, but don’t have the privilege of buying or renting an instrument for themselves.
By donating your instrument, you will be helping underprivileged children—especially those in Third World countries—and taking some financial burden from schools to encourage more music in education.
Remember what inspired you
Perhaps you were influenced to become a musician through an artist donating their time, playing a benefit show, or by and independent record label. Keep the music alive and use your talent for the good of others, not only during the holiday season but all year round.
Brooke Faulkner is a writer and mom in the Pacific Northwest. Her passion for music is only matched by her love for the outdoors, and she loves when she can combine the two. You can find more of her articles on Twitter, @faulknercreek
