Program Overview: Music National Service (MNS) is a national nonprofit organization that supports music as a strategy for public good. In 2008, MNS was named “1 of 10 nonprofit innovations that will strengthen U.S. communities” by the Aspen Institute. MNS is widely credited with inspiring the inclusion of musicians and artists in the bipartisan, federal Serve America Act of 2010.

MusicianCorps (MC), MNS’s flagship program, recruits, trains and places musicians to serve full-time in public schools, youth centers, hospitals and other high-need community settings where there is little or no access to quality music instruction. MusicianCorps recently completed a year-long pilot in Chicago, New Orleans, Oakland, San Francisco and Seattle. Throughout the 2009-10 academic year, MusicianCorps provided ongoing music instruction to over 3,200 children and youth in public schools, afterschool programs and wellness settings. The program also reached over 7,000 community members through 105 public events and the creation of 62 recording projects, bands and ensembles. The organization is currently honing the MusicianCorps program model while developing new markets and expanding the Music National Service network of like-minded organizations and individuals worldwide.

MusicianCorps “Theory of Change:” If people, especially young people in disadvantaged populations, are given opportunities to participate in arts-directed service facilitated by musicians and artists in their communities, they will gain important 21st century skills and be more active in school and civic life. If artists in communities are encouraged to serve as mentors and teachers, they will also become more active in the civic life of their communities. Combined, these efforts will enhance education levels and employment possibilities among youth and artists, as well as increase civic engagement among youth and adults in the larger community.
MusicianCorps Fellows: MC Fellows receive a living stipend of $2,300 per month, plus health care and professional development in exchange for a 10-month service commitment. MC Fellows provide 4 days per week of music instruction and engagement at 1-2 high-need service sites. “5th days” are dedicated to community service and outreach, corps-based reflection, and leadership development.

Populations & Impacts: MNS considers poverty statistics, student academic performance, and the level of music education funding in identifying program sites to ensure that all MusicianCorps sites only serve high-need populations. Program impacts include: improved school attendance and behavior; the development of 21st century skills, such as teamwork, perseverance, discipline and creativity; increased community engagement through music; and economic and workforce development for musicians.

Select Funding Partners: William & Flora Hewlett Foundation; Corporation for National and Community Service; City and local school district public funds as well as matching funds from community-based organizations in Chicago, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, and New Orleans; San Francisco Foundation; Walter & Elise Haas Foundation, Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund, Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Chevron, and generous individuals and family foundations.

Select Media Headlines: MusicianCorps may strike right tone for Obama –NPR, All Things Considered; Music education initiative has big impact in New Orleans schools –NOLA Times Picayune; Musicians form urban peace corps that sooths the sick, comforts the bedridden –SF Chronicle; MusicianCorps gets musicians out into the world –San Francisco Examiner; Making music with a mission –NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams; MusicianCorps goes way beyond music –Chicago Tonight; Music mentoring at charter schools –ABC News

www.musicnationalservice.org