Equal Access to the

Genius Within

what we do

Play It Forward, a Michael Allen Harrison organization, helps young people realize their potential for greatness and creativity by providing musical instrumentsinstruction and inspiring performance opportunities to students throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

Your donations amplify our efforts to find and foster tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and global change-makers among those who, historically, have not had access to the growth opportunities that come from learning a musical instrument.

what we believe

“Talent is universal but opportunity is not”.

- Nicholas Kristoff & Sheryl WuDunn

All children have the ability to access that genius within, 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.

how we help

INSTRUMENTS

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.

INSTRUCTION

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.

INSPIRATION

We provide inspiring performance opportunities, including our end-of-the-year recital, where students get the applause and trophies they earned!

why music

Music & Brain Development

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.

“Piano has certainly changed my work ethic...it's also helped with my mental health. Every time I’m sad or I have a bad day, I go play piano and put my emotion in the music.”

you can help

You're
Invited

Supper Club will be held on October 20th, 2023 in Portland, OR. Join us for an elegant evening of live music, delectable dishes, and luscious libations. Tickets on sale now!

Donate an Instrument

We make it as easy as possible for you to gift your instrument to a young student in need. Simply complete our online form and we will connect to coordinate the donation.

Make a 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.

 

thank you

Accessibility