Inspiring Children Through Music- One intrument at a time

If you’ve ever seen the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus, you were bound to be moved by the music teacher’s dedication to his students. But one man associated with the film, composer Michael Kamen, was so inspired by the film’s story that he took it upon himself to create a foundation dedicated to helping students become engaged with the classical music that he’s made his life’s work.

The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, established in 1996, provides schools and after-school music programs with the instruments they need, as most public schools receive little or no funding for music education classes. The group helps more than 10,000 students each year gain access to music instruments.

Musical skills aren’t the only benefits that the students will obtain through taking part in music education programs: music education has also been proven to help prevent disciplinary problems, ensure higher attendance, and lead to higher graduation rates. When you give a child a violin, you’re not just providing an instrument—you’re allowing them to explore what beauty lies within them.