Our History

Founded in response to the drastic cuts in music education following California’s 1978 Proposition 13, Music for Minors has grown from a small group of local volunteers into a cornerstone of music education in the Bay Area, touching the lives of over 20,000 children annually.

Co-founders Grace Johnston and Dr. G.G. Fitzmaurice established Music for Minors to sustain music programs in local schools. With Grace’s background in Elementary Education and Music, and G.G.’s doctorate in Music Education from Stanford, they crafted a high-quality, affordable, and sustainable music curriculum delivered by trained volunteers.

Initial funding came from the Palo Alto/Mid-Peninsula Junior League, the Los Altos Elementary School District, and the Los Altos-Mountain View branch of the American Association of University Women, alongside early supporters like Nancy Hanna Enright, Rachel Wagner, and Iris Moran.

Today, Music for Minors is recognized as a leading provider of sequential, school-based music education, aligning with California Content Standards for Music. Despite ongoing budget pressures in schools, our program has expanded significantly, tripling the number of students served since 2010. We continue to grow our reach, supported by a team of professionals and volunteers dedicated to providing comprehensive music education.

Though co-founders Grace and G.G. have passed, their vision and spirit endure, driving Music for Minors to innovate and expand, ensuring their legacy continues through every note played in our classrooms.