Play It Forward

Mission

To inspire excellence in youth through innovative music education. We believe — and extensive research shows — that learning to play an instrument fosters Mental Wellness, Agility, Grit, Independence, and Community in children… and that’s M.A.G.I.C.

Bottom Line

Play It Forward is a Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers to learning an instrument. We do this so that every child regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to benefit from learning a musical instrument which will strengthen their developing brain, and build practical skills like perseverance, creativity, collaboration, and self-confidence to last a lifetime.

We gift instruments and provide access to high-quality in-school music lessons at no cost to youth in Title I Schools.

325+
students in music lessons each week

Throughout the school year, more than 325 students receive weekly in-school instruction in piano, guitar, voice, and songwriting. Our instructors nurture musical talent while building confidence, creativity, and connection through mentorship. But it doesn't end there. Each summer, we partner with OMSI and Friends of the Children to offer summer camp experiences including hands-on music instruction, ukulele building, and songwriting.

200+
instruments gifted to kids each year, a $2M total value

We distribute more than 200 donated instruments annually to students, teachers and music programs throughout the Pacific Northwest, representing more than $2 million in instrument value to date. Each instrument opens a new door to learning, creativity, self-expression, brain development, and ownership, all vital life skills.

50K 
music lessons… and counting

We’re working hard to expand access to music learning to students in Portland's Title I schools, helping more young people experience the joy of music and the opportunities it creates.

Check out our 2025 Annual Report HERE!

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Quote

“Talent is universal but opportunity is not.” 

Nicholas Kristoff & Sheryl WuDunn

Here's what our students have to say about making music:

“It makes me feel happy to listen to my own song and think, ‘Wow I wrote that!’”

“It's more interesting to write it MY way.”

“I like that I get to play it, and if people like it, I could even get paid for it one day.”

"Making music feels like a happy magic world.”

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Incentives

cheers to a cozy holiday

As longtime believers in the M.A.G.I.C. of music, our incredible friends at Stoller Wine Group have created a special Play It Forward bottle for the holidays, with 30% of sales benefiting Play It Forward's Give!Guide Campaign! Enjoy a bottle yourself or gift one to someone you love. [PURCHASE LINK]

GET ONE / GIFT ONE to a Play It Forward Student

$100 Donation

Receive one pair of cozy Play It Forward socks to keep, one pair gifted to a Play It Forward student this holiday season.

$200 Donation

Receive one Snowman and the Red Thread book to keep, one book gifted to a Play It Forward classroom.

ENJOY THE MAGIC OF LIVE MUSIC

$50 Donation

Be one of 25 donors to claim a pair of tickets to one of Portland's most beloved holiday traditions, Michael Allen Harrison's Christmas at the Old Church. Choose between:

➜ Day Date Time

➜ Day Date Time

$100 Donation

Be one of 10 donors to claim a pair of tickets to Michael Allen Harrison's heartwarming family concert experience Storybook Christmas + an autographed copy of Snowman and the Red Thread.

➜ Thursday December 10, 5:30 @ the Reser 

$25 Donation

Be one of 25 donors to claim a ticket to Michael Allen Harrison's immersive candlelit live music + mediation experience.

➜ Monday February 1, TIME @ LOCATION

SOMETHING SPECIAL, while supplies last

$10 Donation

Claim a free cup of Green Bridge Coffee, courtesy of a generous Play It Forward family.

$1000 Donation

Make your own music or surprise a loved one with a gorgeous handmade Breedlove concert artist guitar.

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Partner(s)

Join us!

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• ➜ McMenamins on Hawthorne Sunday, Nov. 22 @ 5pm: lowkey live music, chill Sunday crowd, 15% of sales benefit Play It Forward's Give!Guide Campaign
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• ➜ Alberta Street Pub Saturday, Dec. 5 @ 5–7pm: a festival-style family-friendly live music celebration of our program’s schools and the NE Portland community
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• ➜ Music Millennium: Sunday, Dec. 6 @ 3pm: live music + art vibes during holiday shopping at Portland’s iconic record store
   

A HUGE THANK YOU TO:

➜ Stoller Wine Group: As longtime believers in the M.A.G.I.C. of music, our incredible friends at Stoller have created a special Play It Forward bottle for the holidays, with 30% of sales benefiting Play It Forward's Give!Guide Campaign! Enjoy a bottle yourself or gift one to someone you love. [PURCHASE LINK]

➜ Michael Allen Harrison: This beloved Portland composer and performer helped bring our organization to life, and we're thrilled he's offered to invite the Give!Guide community to experience his music.

➜ McMenamins, Alberta Street Pub, & Music Millennium: These champions of Portland’s music scene are graciously donating their spaces to host our events. Their generosity helps us bring local artists, students, and the music community together in support of the next generation of creativity.

➜ Breedlove Guitars: [PARTNERSHIP DETAILS HERE]

➜ Green Bridge Coffee: Owned by an amazing Play It Forward family, Green Bridge always shows up for the music! We're so grateful to be in community with you guys.