Supporting the Moral Imperative of Music Education
Established in 2013
Todd Rundgren’s Spirit of Harmony is a national organization that advocates for music education for children, particularly in public schools. Our mission is to work with individual music programs to assist them in building a sustainable network of local support, based on the measurable data that makes the case for the importance of music education in the neurological, social, academic, economic, and of course artistic, development of youth.
We forge meaningful partnerships among music programs, school districts, corporations, and other music education non-profits, engaging supporters and music fans to become involved in working with music education programs nationally and in their communities.
We believe in providing opportunities for personal development and self-expression through music, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or ability.
Working in harmony with our partners and stake holders, our goal is to develop and nurture strategic relationships that enhance the success of all.
“We’ve always thought that music programs are good because they teach socialization, and they sometimes give kids a reason to go to school. But that was speculative, feel-good stuff. Now we have actual hard data that music was changing kids’ brains in a way that benefited them. Cutting music programs out of a school may save money, but it is not doing the kids a service. The reason why you should have music in school is because it changes the way that kids process audio information, which affects the way that they learn in any situation, including school. So that became the moral imperative.”
— Spirit of Harmony Foundation Founder and President Todd Rundgren
Todd’s vision for the Foundation is to equip everyone with the data and research that supports the moral imperative of music education, and then encourage our supporters to become involved with music education programs in their own communities. Since we are a national grassroots organization, we encourage any and all positive actions, from contacting their local school to promote music education, to collecting used musical instruments for programs in need, to testifying in budget hearings, to attending children’s performances, and everything in between. Our website offers helpful information, and we’re always happy to brainstorm one-on-one with someone who wants to become involved locally.
“Friend Raising” is just as important as “Fund Raising” to the Spirit of Harmony. About once each year, our volunteers set up information tables in the lobbies during Todd’s larger tours to inspire audience members learn about our work and to become involved in Music Education Advocacy in their own communities. Also, our two online auctions each year give us an opportunity to expand our reach and motivate participants to become involved in their local music programs.
We encourage you to become involved in supporting Music Education in any way that feels right and true for YOU.
Please click here to download our Information Sheet.
Music Education Advocacy has a profound impact on grassroots supporters, music educators, and of course, children everywhere. Here is your Call To Action to be an advocate in your own way in your own community. Video created by Ed Vigdor.
Please click here for a summary of the Spirit of Harmony’s first ten years.
Awards and Recognition
The Spirit of Harmony is proud to announce that we have been awarded a Top NonProfit Award for 2023 by Great Nonprofits, for the fifth year in a row since 2019. The Top NonProfit Award is the one and only “people’s choice” award where volunteers, donors, and people served by nonprofits are asked to share stories of inspiration, express their appreciation, and potentially help nonprofits earn a spot on the prestigious GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Nonprofits List.
Also, SOHF has been awarded the 2024 GuideStar Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, which is their highest level of recognition. GuideStar by Candid is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. The Spirit of Harmony has been receiving Guidestar/Candid honors and recognition since 2018.
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