The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation (MHOF) 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, founded MHOF in 1996 as his commitment to the future of music education.
MHOF donates instruments to music programs where students have access to a music curriculum but lack the resources and support base to adequately keep up with equipment loss due to attrition, depreciation and wear over time. An infusion of instruments and repairs enables more students to participate and 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 studying and playing music.
MHOF's goal is to help children achieve their greatest potential and to close the gap that exists in underserved communities. MHOF believes that in giving students the opportunities and benefits derived from playing and learning music, their lives are enriched in myriad ways. MHOF is confident that music programs receiving our help can offer their students and teachers a quality learning experience they may not have otherwise.
• Recognition by the National Association of Music Education with their FAME and Partnership of Professionals Award for outstanding work in promoting music education across the country.
• Recognition by the First Lady of the United States as part of a White House Panel on Arts Education.
• In January, 2006, Executive Director Felice Mancini was presented with the Music for Life Award from NAMM, the International Music Products Association, and in 2007, commended for outstanding community service for the benefit of citizens of Los Angeles County.
• The State of Louisiana Department of Education cited MHOF for its efforts in restoring music programs in areas devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
• Of every $1 we spend, at least 90¢ goes to putting instruments into students' hands. Charity Navigator awarded their highest 4 star rating to MHOF.
Through a process of application and review, programs are selected based on specific criteria. We first make repairs to damaged instruments, distribute refurbished instruments and then purchase new instruments.
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.
Click here for a list of grant recipients.
15165 Ventura Blvd. • Suite 220 • Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: 818.784.6787 • Fax: 818.784.6788 • E-Mail: info@mhopus.org