About the Foundation
The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation was inspired by the acclaimed motion picture Mr. Holland’s Opus, the story of the profound effect a dedicated music teacher had on generations of students. The film's composer, Michael Kamen, started the foundation in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education.
The foundation donates both new and refurbished instruments to school and after-school music programs that lack the resources to keep up with equipment loss due to attrition, depreciation and wear over time, and to accommodate students on waiting lists or who have to share instruments. An infusion of instruments enables more students to participate and to experience a quality music education. It is vital that efforts are made to give youngsters every tool available within the small window of time when they can make the most of their education, and experience the benefits inherent in learning to play music.
The foundation's mission is narrowly focused and efficiently administered by a staff with long-term relationships in the music education community and the music products industry. We are supported by a solid base of loyal donors and believers in music education for all children.
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Programs
The Melody Program helps K-12 school music programs.
The Special Projects Program helps after school music programs.
The Michael Kamen Solo Award helps outstanding student musicians who cannot afford to obtain an appropriate instrument.
All applicants submit a pre-qualification form, and if the program meets our guidelines we invite them to apply for a grant of instruments and/or repairs to instruments already in their inventory. Applications are reviewed by the foundation's Grant committee once each year. The committee selects music programs that:
- demonstrate financial need and whose students are from low-income families
- have an established music program and strong participation
- show administrative support of the program
- have knowledgable and professional teachers
- present a compelling case for how the grant will benefit their students
When selected to receive a grant, the foundation distributes excellently refurbished instruments and purchases new instruments that become the property of the program. Our program staff follows the process from start to finish. If repairs are requested, an estimate for the cost of the repairs is submitted by the local music store, and when repairs are complete the instruments are returned to the school in a timely manner. The foundation purchases good, quality products that will last for many years, allowing generations of students to use them.
Impact
Every year, an average of 10,000 young people across the country benefit from The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation Programs. Students who can't afford to rent an instrument and kids on waiting lists are given an opportunity to play quality instruments which improves their experience and inspires them to accomplish more and more. A grant elevates the music program and elicits more support and demand for music education for all students. Schools have fewer discipline problems, higher attendance and have more kids graduate when they are involved in the music program. Kids learn a skill and positive behaviors that will last well into their lives.
For more information about the benefits of arts education, visit Support Music
Click here for a list of grant recipients