Music to Life

Music to Life Connecting musicians with resources needed to realize their bold visions for community change. Music to Life builds activism through music.

A national nonprofit founded in 2000 by Noel “Paul” Stookey (of the 1960’s folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary) and his daughter, Elizabeth Stookey Sunde, Music to Life has collaborated with an extensive network of artists, businesses, music industry leaders, and nonprofit organizations to explore how music can create positive, measurable social change in our communities. Our educational panels have trav

eled to conferences and schools around the country; we have delivered multimedia presentations on the historical legacy of music for social change and its impact on the issues of our time; and we have created engaging music-driven productions on behalf of environmental, human rights, and immigrant advocacy groups. We have reached tens of thousands of people through the power of music. Music to Life's Activist Musician Accelerator is a ground-breaking collaboration among activist artists and community and social service organizations to deepen the impact of innovative music-driven programming – the first incubator of its kind for social change musicians and their communities. The Accelerator is a paid professional development opportunity that connects activist artists with each other and the mentors, partners, and resources they need to build effective music-driven social change programs. These innovative approaches measurably revitalize our communities - empowering vulnerable populations, galvanizing supporters, and raising awareness - through the power of music. Music to Life's Activist Musician Accelerator: https://www.musictolife.org/ourwork/changemaker-training/
Music to Life's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MusictoLifeOrg
Music to Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musictolife_org
Music to Life on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MusictoLifeOrg

Meet Spring 2026 MCA Academy Artist Bo Shimmin (Pueblo of Acoma)! 🎶A dynamic tenor and two-time Fulbright Scholar to Ita...
05/28/2026

Meet Spring 2026 MCA Academy Artist Bo Shimmin (Pueblo of Acoma)! 🎶

A dynamic tenor and two-time Fulbright Scholar to Italy, Bo has performed on stages across the U.S. and abroad, bringing passion, artistry, and representation to the world of opera. From his recital debut in Florence to recent performances with Opera Montana, Arizona Opera, and more, Bo is dedicated to expanding access to classical music for Indigenous communities.

Through his MCA Academy project, NDN Opera, Bo is bringing operatic recitals and Indigenous music directly to New Mexico pueblos — creating opportunities for young Native people to see themselves represented in an art form where Indigenous voices have long been absent.

Explore his project and the full cohort at http://MusictoLife.org/

Missed our Instruments of Change feature? 🎬✨We recently kicked off the return of our Instruments of Change video series ...
05/27/2026

Missed our Instruments of Change feature? 🎬✨

We recently kicked off the return of our Instruments of Change video series with artist Marx Cassity and their powerful community-rooted project, Two Spirit Sacred. 🎶

Through music, storytelling, and cultural connection, Marx is creating space for healing, visibility, and belonging — reminding us just how transformative artist-led work can be.

Take a moment to watch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORWNeMi2Y_8), share, and support this incredible project.

Your support of Music to Life helps artists continue building change in their communities. Help fuel more projects like this by donating today 🔗: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mtli

05/21/2026

Your front-row seat to the power of music and community is back. 🎬✨

This spring, we’re bringing you our Instruments of Change video series — spotlighting Music to Life artists using music to spark connection, healing, and action in their communities.

First up: Marx Cassity and their inspiring project, Two Spirit Sacred. 🎶

Watch, share, and celebrate the impact music can make far beyond the stage.

Your support helps projects like these grow and thrive. Help fuel more artist-led change by donating today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mtli

🎶 Today we launch our 2026 Spring Appeal — the final push of Year 1 for our three-year campaign, Tuning into Change.In a...
05/18/2026

🎶 Today we launch our 2026 Spring Appeal — the final push of Year 1 for our three-year campaign, Tuning into Change.

In a world that can feel fragmented and uncertain, artists are building connection, creating partnerships, and leading change in their communities in powerful new ways.

Because of our supporters, this year we have:

✨ Expanded our national artist network to 460+ artists
✨ Launched new artist development programs
✨ Strengthened our systems for sustainable growth
✨ Reached 78% of our Year 1 campaign goal

Now's your chance to help close the remaining gap before June 30.

Your support helps equip artists nationwide with the training, resources, and partnerships needed to create real community change through music and creativity. Together, we’re building a future where artists are not just performers — they’re frontline leaders.

Join us as we continue Tuning into Change.

https://www.musictolife.org/3yr-campaign/ways-to-give/

Meet Spring 2026 MCA Academy Artist Jon Sabillón! 🎧A multidisciplinary artist and creative entrepreneur from Honduras, J...
05/14/2026

Meet Spring 2026 MCA Academy Artist Jon Sabillón! 🎧

A multidisciplinary artist and creative entrepreneur from Honduras, Jon is redefining the DJ booth through “Animistic DJing” — blending genres, cultures, and the natural world into immersive musical experiences inspired by Indigenous Central American wisdom and Pre-Columbian Futurism.

Through his MCA Academy project, Jardín, Jon is creating workshops in DJing, music theory, performance, and mentorship to support emerging artists from historically marginalized communities and help build a more inclusive future for DJ culture.

Explore his project and the full cohort at http://MusictoLife.org/

Real change takes time—and a plan to grow it.Through our $1.5 million Tuning Into Change campaign, we’re expanding how w...
05/12/2026

Real change takes time—and a plan to grow it.

Through our $1.5 million Tuning Into Change campaign, we’re expanding how we serve, who we serve, and amplifying why we serve.

📍 2026: Measure & Sustain
📍 2027: Scale & Amplify
📍 2028: Grow & Engage

Each year builds on the last—strengthening our support for artists and increasing the impact they’re making in communities across the country.

We’ve already begun. Now, we’re building momentum.

Join us and be part of what’s next: MusictoLife.org/

Real Measurable impact is built step by step—each year strengthening what comes next.Through our three-year sustainabili...
05/07/2026

Real Measurable impact is built step by step—each year strengthening what comes next.

Through our three-year sustainability campaign, Tuning into Change, we’re expanding our capacity, deepening artist support, and building a sustainable national network.

📍 Year 1: Setting the Stage
Build systems, launch new programs, and grow the Artist Network by 10% with strong retention.

📍 Year 2: Scaling the Work
Expand partnerships, launch artist membership, increase engagement, and build earned revenue.

📍 Year 3: Advancing the Impact
Reach all 50 states, grow to 556 Juried Artists, and publish our final outcomes and future roadmap.

Each phase builds momentum toward a stronger future for musician changemakers nationwide.

We’re already in motion. Now we scale what’s working.

Join us and be part of what’s next: https://www.musictolife.org/3yr-campaign/

Music has always had the power to move people. Now, we’re building the infrastructure to move communities.We’re proud to...
05/04/2026

Music has always had the power to move people. Now, we’re building the infrastructure to move communities.

We’re proud to launch Tuning Into Change, our Three-Year Campaign to support the next generation of Musician Changemakers: Artists who aren’t just raising awareness, but building sustainable, music-driven solutions in their communities.

Because artists shouldn’t have to struggle to create impact—they should be equipped to lead it.

With your support, we’re working to raise $1.5 million in 3 years to expand training, grow our network, and ensure more artists have the tools they need to turn their visions for a better world into action.

Join us as we take the next steps.

🔗 Learn more, get involved, and help us tune into change: https://www.musictolife.org/3yr-campaign/

Meet Spring 2026 MCA Academy Artist Aureliano “Yano” Rivera! 🎶A tenor with Berkeley’s La Peña Community Chorus, Yano is ...
04/30/2026

Meet Spring 2026 MCA Academy Artist Aureliano “Yano” Rivera! 🎶

A tenor with Berkeley’s La Peña Community Chorus, Yano is part of a multigenerational ensemble rooted in Nueva Canción—blending Latin American folk music with messages of justice, equality, and resistance. Through his project, he’s working to preserve the legacy of longtime chorus members while building bridges to younger generations, ensuring this powerful tradition continues to grow and resonate.

Explore his project and the full cohort at http://MusictoLife.org/

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POB 409
Wilder, VT
05088

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