Who We Are
MusAid is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2006 that provides musical institutions in under-resourced parts of the world with instruments, musical materials and printed music. We work closely with schools in need to determine what their specific needs are and then devise a plan that will lead to the school’s long term sustainability.
In the most extreme circumstances, the lack of musical instruments and materials would eventually bring about a complete dissolution of musical education in a certain area.
Why MusAid?
The impetus to begin MusAid arose from the founder, Kevin Schaffter, who while living and studying music in Asia, saw the struggle and difficulties that many musicians face in various parts of the world from having poor access to proper equipment, instruction, printed music and often proper performance venues.
It is heart wrenching to witness the dreams and aspirations of musicians crushed by the lack of the most basic materials necessary to pursue their art. Our vision is one where artists from any cultural or financial background should be granted the opportunity to share their unique artistic voices with their community. In this world of materialistic ideals it is too often forgotten that the greatest contributions to art come from within each individual and collectively, through the international language of music, reveal the simple and beautiful similarity between all human beings.
Arts are more crucial now than ever before. Globalization has shrunk the world, increasing the need to preserve cultural diversity and identity. The arts, including music, have always been an integral part of every society and are a pure reflection of the creativity, the search for beauty, and the spirit common in all of us. Music has an immense power to inspire, to heal, touch hearts and emotions, and to uplift us. It allows humanity to set physical and political differences aside, and to work in harmony to produce something universally appreciated.
Since MusAid’s founding in 2006 we have supported music schools in Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, Laos and Burma with instruments, printed music and other materials to great success. Although we have had success in these locations, there are countless other schools in the world that need our help. That is why we would like to invite you to join MusAid in preserving music education globally by looking at some of the ways you can support us on our “Donate” page. Even the smallest donation can make a world of difference.
