Our Initiatives and Services
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Kala Brand Music Co. supports our community efforts with donations of hundreds of `ukulele for our on-going initiatives of `ukulele* repair or replace* in schools and for `ukulele lending at Hawaii Public Libraries.
To empower people by supporting music-related programs and activities that raise awareness in the tangible benefits, advantages and opportunities
of music education.
"...fostering a brighter, better future for all through music "
"`Ukulele Hana Hou!" is a Music For Life Foundation
project initiative intended to locate damaged `ukuleles
in Hawaii's public schools, repair them free-of-charge
and return them to their originating school. The
goal of this initiative is to restore and re-purpose
`ukuleles that have been abandoned or forgotten
resulting from earlier loss of music education
programs.
With fundraising and other novelty and challenge activities, this project is also designed to raise awareness in the need and importance of keeping music education "alive" in schools and in classroom curriculum. Additionally, with `ukuleles back in the classrooms, we hope to re-energize interest in using the `ukulele as a teaching tool for music learning. The project is implemented on a school-by-school basis and is coordinated in a 5-stage process:
Identification, Assessment, Collection, Repair and Return.
“Music has impacted my life by helping me do well. Ever since I was a child, my Uncle would play the ukulele. He would sing to me when I was feeling down or when I’m going to bed...
Music will help me, my family, school and community and I hope to use this opportunity of being in band to help get me to college and a scholarship. (The) hope of getting into a good college and university will help me find a career which will be good if I plan to have a family in the future.”
Victoria Kaleiopu,
Former student, Wai`anae High School
- Repair and maintenance of school `ukuleles and other musical instruments
- Music classroom setup for students, local residents-Ala Wai Elementary School, Honolulu
- Provide stage performance opportunities for interested students and aspiring musicians.
- Support community centers and schools with music programs and instruments
- Assist music education-related causes and needs with fundraising and musical instrument donation drives.
Featured Project - `Ukulele Hana Hou!
On-Going - "Da Beat Goes On..." Music For Life Foundation's musical instrument donation drive activity; collecting gently used
musical instruments
for distribution to
schools and students
in need.
It’s important to us to be as clear about the services and activities we provide communities and individuals in need. This list details a few of our recent initiatives that would greatly benefit from your support and participation:
Our Vision
Our Mission
In the News
To become a leading organization with empowering people through music while creating favorable environments that offer beneficial life options and career opportunities.
New! Limited Edition!! ---->
Hard Rock Cafe-Honolulu pin
to raise money for Music For Life Foundation initiatives, projects and programs
The Lives We Impact
August 25, 2021 - Music For Life Foundation's "`Uke-lending" project (in partnership with Hawaii State Public Library System) continues its expansion to the Big Island of Hawaii!
Join us at our virtual `ukulele-lending program *launch event* with Jake Shimabukuro and special Hawaii-island musician guests Kris and Keiko Fujigami. Details and online link provided here soon!
(Earlier program launch event)
...to directly support
Music For Life Foundation's
initiatives, projects and programs.
for Music Learning and Appreciation
Officially dedicated on October 2, 2018, the "Jake's Clubhouse" music classroom was designed and established by Music For Life Foundation to keep music "alive" in education
for all Ala Wai Elementary School students.
“(The Mele Ukulele) project will
increase family engagement and community interest as it supports area children. Music For Life Foundation is also recognized for their tremendous support in their efforts for art empower- ment and music enlivenment for the children of Papakōlea. Our board and staff are supportive of Music For Life Foundation’s mission in keeping music education “alive” in our schools and in all our communities.”
Arienne Dillard, MSW, LSW
Executive Director
Kula No Po`e Hawai`i
Calendar of Events
( SOLD OUT! )
August 20, 2017
- Play4M.E. project concludes at Honolulu's Ala Moana Center.
Play4M.E. (Music Education) had been a “music gathering place” for the community. With nearly 100 `ukuleles at its former Ala Moana Center location, Play4M.E.'s intent was to offer and provide the joy of playing music with `ukuleles; making it available and accessible to anyone and everyone.
" 'Ukulele Hana Hou!"`Initiative
Before the end of 2016, `ukulele virtuoso
successfully completed his personal challenge of repairing 100 Kamaka `ukuleles for music education awareness and to commemorate
100th anniversary!!
Identification - MFL volunteers contact individual schools to determine whether the `ukuleles in need of repair exist.
Assessment - An assessment
of damaged `ukuleles will be conducted; time and cost worthiness of repairs will be determined and considered.
Collection - All `ukuleles recommended for
repair will be collected at a mutually agreed
date and time.
Repair - Whether via MFL or by third-party
vendor or individual, the `ukuleles will be refur-
bished and renewed.
Return - All repaired `ukuleles submitted for
repair to be re-turned to the originating school.
Music For Life Foundation intends to further support this project by organizing fundraising activities in order to assists schools with establishing funding for musical instrument repair costs, music instruction material, and other expenses, such as `ukulele strings and parts replacement.