Partnering with schools to provide music education for every child
Weekly, in-school music instruction for preschool through fifth grade students in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our engaging, hands-on classroom music programs are designed to meet state standards and the unique needs of each school community.
Program Highlights
Weekly Sequential Curriculum
Students build musical skills step-by-step and grade-by-grade through engaging, developmentally appropriate classroom music lessons.
Standards-Based and Culturally Responsive
Our curriculum meets state and national standards while celebrating diverse musical traditions and cultures.
Trained Music Educators
Specialized music educators bring expertise, creativity, and passion to every class, supported by ongoing professional development.
Flexible and Affordable
Programs are designed to fit each school’s schedule and budget, helping make high-quality music education accessible to every student.
~700
Classrooms served weekly
~15K
Preschool to 5th grade students served weekly
~50%
Schools in under-resourced communities
~40
Professional music educators
Our Music Education Curriculum
Our grade-level-based, sequential and hands-on curriculum aligns with the California Arts Standards for Music and National Core Arts Standards. Students learn to read, play, listen to, and understand music while developing creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong connection to music.
📖
Literacy
🎤
Singing
👯
Part Work
💃
Movement
🥁
Instruments
👂
Listening
General TK–5 Classroom Music
The weekly in-school music program offers sequential general music instruction where students explore singing, rhythm, theory, movement, and music from many cultures, with recorder instruction beginning in 3rd grade.
Preschool Music Class
Our preschool music program provides three- and four-year old students with hands-on activities, folk songs, and interactive games that develop musical skills, self-expression, and collaboration.
Special Education Music
A specialized curriculum for lower elementary SDC classrooms with accommodations for students with learning disabilities. All educators are trained to use visual supports, modify activities, and apply evidence-based inclusive teaching methods.
Instrumental Music Program
Provides weekly instrumental instruction taught by instrumental specialists in violin, flute, clarinet, trumpet, or voice. This program builds on foundational music skills and introduces ensemble playing.
Music Program Overview
- Preschool and TK-5 classroom music programs provide grade-level specific curriculum and sequential lessons over 18 to 30 weeks
- 20–45 minute weekly sessions during the school day
- Grade-level teaching kits with developmentally appropriate instruments and supplies
- Recorders for students in third grade and above
- Classroom Sharing Days, where families are invited to watch and participate in a music class
- Program satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and support continuous improvement
- Experienced Program Managers support scheduling, educator observations, and program quality
Are you a parent or family member? Discover what your child is learning in class on our dedicated Information for Families page.
Prop 28 Funding Available
How to fund in-school music:
California’s Proposition 28, the Arts and Music in Schools Act, provides dedicated funding for arts and music education in public schools. Music for Minors can help schools use these funds to bring weekly, standards-aligned music instruction to every classroom.
Prop 28 Eligible
Our programs qualify as an approved arts education vendor under California’s Prop 28 guidelines.
District & Site Budgets
Our partners combine Title 1, Title IVa, and school site funds to support music instruction.
Community & Parent Support
PTAs, PTOs, education foundations, and community fundraising can help support programs.
Donor & Foundation Support
Support from donors, foundations, and community partners helps bridge the gap between school budgets and the full cost of MFM programs, keeping music education accessible for more schools.
A nonprofit driven by impact:
Every aspect of our program is designed to ensure every student has access to music education.