MUSIC MAKES ME
Mik Foley,Grantee
We are so blessed and thrilled to receive a Do Good Grant for Music Makes Me in Los Osos, CA.
Music Makes Me provides guitars to local schools or students free of charge. We started this program in 2013 working specifically with autistic kids but found it had a much broader appeal to all ages. Now students and teachers alike, use our guitars to further communication and relationships in the school setting. We set the guitars up in the libraries of local schools so the students can have access to them at all time during the school day. The program was designed to build social interaction through music. If a student is free to play what they want, when they want, then they are more likely to interact with people and talk about likes, dislikes, common interests, and much, much more.
When we started the program we were in one school and had only two guitars at the time but now, with the help of Do Good Grants, we are in Los Osos Middle School and Morro Bay High School. Each school program has 5 or more guitars and ukuleles for students to use. We have also provided guitars free of charge to individual students from Santa Maria to Paso Robles. Personal guitar gifts are based on student’s financial needs and access to teaching programs.
This is what one teacher said about the Music Makes Me program and how it affected him personally.
“I had this student that was not disruptive but basically didn’t want to be in school or my class. I tried everything to get through to him but nothing worked. One day while on a break, I went in to speak to the librarian and there he was in the corner, playing a guitar. I had no idea he could play and didn’t think he had a creative bone in his body. I went over to him and he stopped. I asked him to keep playing and I just sat with my eyes closed and listened. He was good. We didn’t speak a word. When lunch was over he packed up and left. The next day was the first time all year that this student handed in a homework assignment. He just needed someone to listen and hear him. We now speak every day and even play together in the library. He has taught me to be a better guitar player and more importantly a better teacher. Thank you Music Makes Me. This would never have happened if you didn’t provide the guitars and a safe place to interact”.
All guitars are purchased and repaired by Music Makes Me founder and Do Good Grantee, Mik Foley from the band Day 5 and his 15 year old autistic son. Mik has been building and repairing guitars for over 20 years.
“Having a son with autism made me aware of the potential music had to help heal and unite those fighting the stigma of autism, and Music Makes Me gave me the venue to build this program. I have been able to show the communication model to my community and help build quality lasting relationships way beyond the autism spectrum. This would not be possible without assistance from donations all over the community like Do Good Grants. We are so very happy and honored to have Do Good Grants as part of the Music Makes Me family”-Mik Foley
If your school is interested in the Music Makes Me program or you know of a deserving student in need, please contact: mikfoley@charter.net