Instruments For Change

Amplifying the power of music for inspiration, learning and wellbeing.

With over 3.5 million students lacking access to music education (AEDP), we are dedicated to expanding and improving access to music education in under-resourced schools, after-school programs,  and children’s health programs across the country.

Music Education has been proven to help kids:

⋅ Develop social-emotional wellbeing

⋅ Bolster academic achievement

⋅ Provide a source of joy and creativity

⋅ Foster a sense of empathy and understanding

⋅ Process their feelings and experiences

⋅ Support interpersonal skills


2000

new instruments donated


50

music programs supported nationwide... and counting!

Tunes Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors are nationally recognized, award-winning musicians with a passion to bring their love of music to under-resourced schools with onsite assemblies and program funding raised from fans.



Play It Forward

Tunes Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors are nationally recognized, award-winning musicians with a passion to bring their love of music to under-resourced schools with onsite assemblies and program funding raised from fans.



Play It Forward

Ukes For Youth

Our community service projects turn team building and hands-on fun into local impact. Volunteers and company employees roll up their sleeves to assemble ukuleles for local students.



Build With Us

Ukes For Youth

Our community service projects turn team building and hands-on fun into local impact. Volunteers and company employees roll up their sleeves to assemble ukuleles for local students.



Build With Us

Program Support

Our music education support brings the joy and benefits of music to life for kids of all ages through new instrument donations and music teacher grants designed to meet the unique needs of each program.



Support Music

Program Support

Our music education support brings the joy and benefits of music to life for kids of all ages through new instrument donations and music teacher grants designed to meet the unique needs of each program.



Support Music


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Advisory Board Members

CJ Cain

Lexington, KY

CJ Cain is a guitarist for The Food Stamps, touring with Tyler Childers, and has been a dedicated Tunes Ambassador for Can'd Aid since 2016. A talented musician and passionate advocate for music education, CJ believes every young person deserves the opportunity to discover the joy and confidence that music can inspire.

Tommy Cousins

Raleigh, NC

Tommy Cousins comes from a family with a deep-rooted passion for music education. Inspired by grandparents who dedicated their lives to ensuring young people had access to music, Tommy is committed to carrying that legacy forward. As a founding member of Can'd Aid's Instruments for Change Advisory Board, he is dedicated to helping expand access to music education by supporting teachers and providing students with the resources they need to learn, create, and thrive.

Mary Clayton Carl Jones

Birmingham, AL

Mary Clayton is a Birmingham-based philanthropist and passionate supporter of music and arts education. As a member of Can'd Aid's Instruments for Change Advisory Board, she is committed to ensuring music education remains accessible for all.

Graham Hubner

Lyons, CO

Graham Hubner books talent for The Summer Music Festival at Roseberry and helped start the Kids Mountain Music Camp in McCall, ID.   He is very passionate about getting musical instruments into the hands of kids early and fostering their growth through community mentorship.  

Woo Park

Detroit, MI

Woo Park is the Senior Director of Marketing (Great Lakes Region) at AEG Presents and a passionate advocate for the power of music to bring people together. With a deep appreciation for the role music plays in shaping communities, Woo is committed to expanding access to music education for students in underserved communities.

Andrew Stone

Portland, OR

Andrew Stone is the Head of Product Marketing at AEG Presents. With a career rooted in the music and entertainment industry, Andrew is committed to expanding access to music education and helping ensure students in underserved communities have the tools and opportunities to explore their creativity through music.

Mike Jackson

Lyons, CO

Mike Jackson is a retired National Science Foundation leader, lifelong musician, and member of Can’d Aid’s Instruments for Change Advisory Board. After a career supporting scientific research around the world, including Antarctica, Mike is dedicated to helping ensure every student has access to the life-changing opportunities that music education provides. He believes music builds confidence, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.


Testimonials

“I love knowing that my donation goes directly towards music education and access to instruments. Music has played a pivotal role in my personal journey, and Can’d Aid is ensuring more people can unlock the power of music every day!”

– Can’d Aid Donor, Frank S.

“Can’d Aid has been an instrumental partner throughout the years. Lives everywhere have been profoundly impacted by this amazing organization and the dedicated program team working behind the scenes!”

– Bailey Saunders, Community Outreach Coordinator, Journeys

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