The Music for Dreams Organization was established in 2011 with its first guitar give-away. In March of 2013, the organization applied and received its 501(c)3 status. It is our organization's goal to donate instruments to low-income schools throughout the state of Florida so  that children in need can and will have access to positive outlets of self expression. It is our mission to show today's youth the importance of having positive resporces rather than resorting to drugs and substance abuse.

 

 

Our goals:

 

                                -To promote academic excellence through the performance of music

                                -To create the values of teamwork, dedication, and artistry

                                     -To strengthen the unity of schools, families, and classmates

                                - To inspire children to reach their full potential through their own efforts

 

 

Our plan:

 

Is by partnering with title one low-income schools, we create social transformation,  opportunities to those children most in need, and ultimately improve the quality of life for our children today and for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

About our CEO/ Our Story:

 

 

 

Amanda Hatcher was born in Jacksonville, Florida on April 8, 1994. Amanda began classical piano instruction at the age of 7. However, her real passion for music began when she was able to replace her keyboard with a white baby grand piano. At the age of 13, Amanda then began to realize how much of a difference having the appropriate instruments can make in a child's life.

 

 

It was at the age of 15 that Amanda began volunteering at numerous children’s hospital and organizations across the state. There she played guitar for patients and guests to reduce the fear and anxiety that come along with hospital visits. As stated by Alternative Healing: The Complete A-Z Guide to more than 150 Alternative Therapies by Mark Kastner, It has been proven that music, especially pieces with a strong rhythmical element, can affect heart rate and breathing, and promote the release of endorphins, or natural painkillers.

 

 

She is currently holding speaking engagements from school to school to promote positive decision making and the importance of choosing positive outlets rather than resorting to drugs or substance abuse. We believe that encouraging music will promote academic excellence through the performance of music, create the values of teamwork, dedication, and artistry, strengthen the unity of schools, families, and classmates , and ultimately inspire children to reach their full potential through their own efforts.

 

In 2013 the final inspiration to create The Music for Dreams Foundation began when Amanda received a phone call that her dear friend had committed suicide. This friend was a victim of day-to-day bullying. Not long after this loss Amanda reached out to Travis Brown aka Mr.Mojo. Travis is recognized as America’s Anti-Bullying Coach and has been seen on FOX, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, and as an Inspiring Made Coach on MTV. She has had the privilege of being mentored by Travis Brown to help promote awareness of bullying to children across America.

 

Thanks to Mr. Mojo's recommendation and her essay submission on the impotence of leadership and The Music for Dreams Foundation she will be attending UCLA's Summer Program, L.E.A.P. This program teaches the skills it takes to be successful in today's society with the help of the nation’s top success and motivational speakers. It answers the four questions you must be able to answer to be in the top 6% of successful people.

 

 

She continued her piano education and is currently instructed by Calvin Jones, the composer of the soundtrack for the documentary “2016: Obama’s America” which became the second highest grossing documentary at the box office ever at $36 Million. Calvin Jones has also performed in several countries across the world and is the composer of “Whitewater Chopped Sticks” performed by Teresa Scanlan, Miss Nebraska, who won Miss America in 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Music for Dream's "Guitar Give Away Contest" Coverage can be found at W.J.X.T :

 

http://www.news4jax.com/news/2-students-win-instruments-for-music-essays/25953398