Music to Life

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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

06/19/2026

🎶 Today, we're taking a moment to pause in gratitude and celebrate the upcoming World Music Day on Sunday, June 21. 🌎

Thank you to the artists who use music to inspire connection and create meaningful change, to the community partners and board members who help make this work possible, and to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in our mission along the way.

While World Music Day is a celebration, it's also a reminder that the work continues. Together, we'll keep empowering artists, building partnerships, and creating opportunities for music to inspire action, foster belonging, and strengthen communities.

Thank you for being part of the journey. The best is still to come. 🎵

06/12/2026

Calling all musicians ready to level up their professional toolkit. 🎶

Join us for The Gig-Ready Social Change Musician with Carla Gover
📅 July 21 at 12 PM ET

This 2.5-hour, implementation-focused workshop is designed to help artists build and strengthen the practical pieces that get you hired—on stage and beyond.

Together, you’ll work on:
🎤 EPKs + core promo assets
✍️ Artist bios
💻 Branding + website essentials
📱 Practical social media strategy

Because your music making has value—and the world needs artists like you whose work helps spark connection, healing, and action. ✨

This workshop is free for Music to Life Juried Artists (suggested donation of $20; see emailed promo code)
General Admission: $50

Register Now! bit.ly/thegigreadysocialchangemusician

Visit musictolife.org/news for more information.

Explore Juried Artist participation here: musictolife.org/ourwork/become-a-juried-artist

06/11/2026

Meet Spring 2026 MCA Academy Artist Marcella Simien! 🎶

A Louisiana-born, ninth-generation Creole artist, Marcella Simien is a touring musician, teaching artist, yoga instructor, and community wellness advocate whose work blends music, culture, and healing. Known for her genre-bending "psychedelic swamp soul" sound, Marcella has performed across the U.S. and internationally, contributed vocals to Disney's Tiana's Bayou Adventure, and been featured on NPR's World Cafe, Carnegie Hall's Musical Explorers program, and more.

Through her MCA Academy project, Sound Rise Collective, Marcella is creating community-centered programs that combine music, wellness, and cultural connection. From restorative yoga and breathwork accompanied by live music to initiatives supporting creative career development, Sound Rise Collective is building spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, one another, and their communities.

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

06/09/2026

🎬✨ Have you watched our latest Instruments of Change feature yet?

We recently spotlighted artist Kylie Griffin and her inspiring project, FÊTE (Folk Education & Tradition Exchange). 🎻

Through FÊTE, Kylie is helping preserve and celebrate the living traditions of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco communities in Southwest Louisiana. By creating opportunities for music, storytelling, shared meals, and cultural exchange, she's helping ensure these traditions continue to thrive across generations.

Take a moment to watch, share, and learn how community-rooted music can strengthen cultural connections and keep traditions alive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmUKjVqh0zI

Your support of Music to Life helps artists like Kylie bring impactful projects to life. Help us fuel more artist-led change by donating today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mtli

06/08/2026

Your Gift Goes Further This Week! 🎵

From June 8–15, every donation to Music to Life will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $5,000, thanks to the generosity of a dedicated supporter.

More support for artists. More opportunities for connection. More music-powered change in communities across the country.

Make your gift today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mtli

06/04/2026

🎻✨ Music has a powerful way of carrying culture forward—and bringing people together in the process.

Next in our Instruments of Change video series: Kylie Griffin and FÊTE (Folk Education & Tradition Exchange).

Through FÊTE, Kylie is helping celebrate and sustain the living traditions of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco communities in Southwest Louisiana—creating spaces where music, storytelling, and community come together across generations. From porch sessions with local culture bearers to shared meals and songs passed down by ear, FÊTE reminds us that culture is something we live, share, and keep moving forward together.

🎬 Watch Kylie’s story, celebrate the power of community-rooted music, and see how artists are creating change through language, culture and connection.

Your support helps artist-led projects like FÊTE grow and thrive: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mtli

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/

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

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/

Address

POB 409
Wilder, VT
05088

Website

http://musictolife.org/

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