Our History

Founded in 1976, Music for Minors began as a grassroots response to the loss of music education opportunities in local schools. What started with a small group of dedicated volunteers has grown into a leading Bay Area provider of school-based music education, reaching thousands of students each week.

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

Early support came from community partners including the Palo Alto/Mid-Peninsula Junior League, local school districts, civic organizations, and individual supporters who believed every child deserved access to music education.

Today, Music for Minors provides sequential, standards-based music education led by trained, professional music educators. As school funding pressures continue, MFM remains committed to partnering with schools and communities to keep music in classrooms and nurture in children a lifelong love of music.

Though our co-founders have passed, their vision and spirit continue through every song sung, rhythm played, and child inspired in our classrooms.