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Welcome to Musicians For Hope
We believe in the power of music to inspire, uplift, and transform lives. We support underfunded music programs in elementary and middle schools in the Chicago area.
About Us
Music and arts programs are often the first programs to get cut when school budgets are tight.
They’re often seen as extracurricular and nonessential, compared to core subjects like math, science, and English. However, research has shown that participating in music can boost student engagement, improve test scores, and develop important life skills like creativity, teamwork, and discipline. There are many school music programs in the Chicagoland area that could use financial support.
Vision
We believe in the power of music to inspire, uplift, and transform lives. Through firsthand experience as musicians, we understand the value of music education and its essential role in the holistic development of young minds.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for underfunded music programs in schools, particularly those serving underprivileged communities.
Core Values
Through our efforts, we aim to bridge the opportunity gap by supporting music programs in elementary and middle schools. We are committed to help with financial barriers by ensuring access to quality instruments, music scores, and other essentials needed for a robust music program.
By collaborating with schools to provide financial assistance for instrument acquisition, repair and maintenance, and other resources, we hope to help all children have equal opportunities to explore and excel in the world of music.
Our Team
Matthew Hahn
Founder
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Edie Park
Executive Director
Simon Updegraff
Co-Founder
Jan Vargas-Nedvetsky
Co-Founder
Vivian Van de Sype-Cucu
Director of Marketing
Our Sponsors
Sponsor our events!
There are many ways you can support us:
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Provide food, drinks, or gift cards
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Volunteer as a photographer or videographer
Contact musiciansforhope@gmail.com
WFMT Bach to School Partnership
98.7 WFMT Radio
Spring 2024, Fall 2025
Musicians For Hope partners with WFMT’s Bach to School program to fundraise for underfunded school music programs during their Spring/Fall Membership Drive. We livestreamed on WFMT 98.7 FM radio on April 5th, 2024 from 1pm to 3pm to host a matching challenge, doubling our impact and support schools in the Chicagoland area. Your efforts helped match our $4,800 contribution to impact a total of 8 schools with $9,600! Stay tuned for our next dollar-to-dollar matching challenge in October 2025 during the Fall Membership Drive!
Thank You for Powering Our Mission!
Your generosity fuels everything we do—from placing instruments in young hands to bringing music into underserved communities. Since launching our "Tune the Future" concert series in February 2024, your support has helped provide over $48,000 in resources to 12 schools—including keyboards, guitars, ukuleles, drums, instrument parts like reeds and strings, and other vital music education tools. Because of you, hope sounds louder. We’re deeply grateful for your continued support, and we invite you to stand with us as we expand our reach and impact. Together, let’s keep the music playing and the hope growing.
