Play It Forward

Mission

Play It Forward provides instruments, instruction, and inspiring opportunities to help each young person become the best version of themselves. Regardless of income, ability, proximity or barriers to access to help unlock potential and passion. We help children realize their own brilliance and we believe the world is better for it.

Bottom Line for Portland

Play It Forward is a Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers to music education so that every child regardless of background, income, or circumstance has the opportunity to discover their voice through music. We provide access to high-quality music lessons and instruments at low to no cost to youth who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate.

Throughout the school year, more than 225 students receive weekly music instruction, building skills in piano, guitar, voice, percussion, and songwriting. Our dedicated instructors focus not only on musical development, but also on building confidence, discipline, creativity, and community through the power of mentorship.

Every year, Play It Forward distributes more than 200 donated instruments to students and school music programs across the Portland Metro Area—an impact totaling over $2 million in instruments placed to date. These instruments open doors for lifelong learning and emotional expression, giving young musicians the tools they need to grow.

Learning doesn’t stop when school is out. Each summer, Play It Forward partners with OMSI and Portland Public Schools to host 8–10 weeks of music and songwriting camps, offering hands-on learning, collaboration, and creative exploration for youth across the region.

With thousands of instructional hours delivered and hundreds of instruments placed, Play It Forward continues to meet a growing need in our community. Our work is especially focused on supporting Title I schools and underserved youth, ensuring equitable access to the arts and empowering young people through music.

Check out our 2024 Annual Report HERE!

Quote

“One of my favorite moments is when our PIF students present their hard work at the end of year recital,” Principal Teresa Seidel of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary says. “The students are all in community together, in front of their loved ones, and also on the stage all by themselves. It is a challenging experience that I wish all of our students could have!"

A Play It Forward survey yielded the following answers when children described how they felt learning to write songs:

“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.”

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

“It feels like a happy magic world.”

“Talent is universal but opportunity is not.” — Nicholas Kristoff & Sheryl WuDunn

Partner(s)

Music Millenium will be co-hosting an event on Saturday, December 27th at 5:00PM for our BIG Give Day!

Schoolhouse Supplies and other local non-profits will be co-hosting a Board & Brews event at Rouge Public House on November 12th from 5pm - 7pm! Come say hi.