Play It Forward’s mission is to ensure equal access to Music M.A.G.I.C. We believe — and extensive research shows — learning a musical instrument fosters Mental Wellness, Agility, Grit, Independence, and Community in children — and that’s MAGIC.
Barriers like poverty, racism, and historic marginalization prevent many children from receiving instrumental instruction. At Play It Forward, we overcome these challenges by providing access to instruments, instruction, and inspiring opportunities to students in need across the Pacific Northwest.
All children have the ability to access the M.A.G.I.C. of music, but societal injustices and generational poverty often block them from actualizing their potential. Society as a whole loses when children do not have the opportunities they need to become the best version of themselves.
In the last two years alone, we have found happy homes with students and schools for over 200 gently-used instruments that were donated by the community.
We have provided lessons to more than 262 students and delivered 4,716 hours (9,432 lessons) of music instruction to children in the Portland area.
We provide inspiring performance opportunities, including our end-of-the-year recital, where students get the applause and trophies they earned!
Experts on music and learning say playing an instrument can be more than just fun, music education is also a key to unlocking a child’s mental and social potential.
Join us for an evening of impact at the 2026 Play It Forward Supper Club “On the Boardwalk in Positano Italy!”
Saturday, September 12
5:00 PM at The Loft on 8th
We make it as easy as possible for you to gift your instrument to a young student in need, complete our online form and we will connect to coordinate the donation.
Please consider helping us remove barriers to musical education for all children. We are a qualified charitable organization under IRC Sec 501c(3), Tax ID #82-1708155.
