A key component of Law Rocks’ mission is to promote music education for underserved youth. In 2023, due to our increased sponsorship and fundraising, Law Rocks has been able to offer a new grant at each Law Rocks show: The Music Matters grant. This grant is given to a local nonprofit that supports youth music education. Omi Crawford, director of Law Rocks, says of the grant initiative:
“Since our 2009 founding, Law Rocks has supported hundreds of incredible nonprofits, with an emphasis on youth music education organizations. The Music Matters grant is a natural evolution of our mission and a chance to formalize our support of amazing music education nonprofits across the country.”
Today’s spotlight is on Texas Music Project, who received a $5,000 grant at our 3rd Annual Law Rocks Houston show. Since 2003, Texas Music Project has been at the forefront of supporting music education in Texas schools and hospitals. Law Rocks is thrilled to be able to increase our support for music education by uplifting local nonprofits like the Texas Music Project through the Music Matters grant. By offering the Music Matters grant in each city we tour to, we are also able to introduce the Law Rocks community to some amazing nonprofits doing work right in their backyard. Keep on reading for our spotlight interview with Michael Clay, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Texas Music Project (TMP).
1) Can you tell us a little about the history of your nonprofit, as well as its mission and focus?
TMP is having our 20 Year Anniversary in 2023. We continue to focus our efforts on promoting the positive benefits of music and music education for underprivileged and at-risk youth in schools, hospitals and the community.
2) What is the best example of the way you’ve seen your organization’s work make a difference?
Through donations from organizations like Law Rocks and individual donations to our Music Heals program, we were able supply new instruments and performances to six major children’s hospitals in Texas. We estimate the cost was over $15,000. We were sent a "wish list" by the hospitals’ music therapists, which were fulfilled in December 2022 and January 2023.
3) What are some upcoming initiatives that you are planning for?
Along with our "Music Heals" program which we will continue, we have a mentorship program for youth called Classroom to Stage. We find opportunities for young musicians to play at world class venues and festivals. We will have 10 slots at the Cottonwood festival in Richardson, Texas this October 7 and 8th.
4) What is the greatest challenge your organization faces?
Raising adequate funds for our programs to grow is a challenge, and keeping the organization funded to cover operational costs that include labor, marketing and equipment is also quite challenging. We have been fortunate that the Texas music communities, private and public companies and individual fans have offered support for the past 20 years.
5) What does the power of music mean to you?
It is definitely a life changing opportunity to give youth a chance to experience and express themselves through music. All studies show that the impact of learning music is a valuable life tool.
6) How will the Music Matters grant be used?
The grant has been used to help purchase the instruments, lessons and performances we offered to San Antonio Children's Hospital and Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin; Cook's Children Medical Center in Fort Worth; Texas Children’s in Houston; and Children’s Medical in Dallas.
Learn more about Texas Music Project here.