What is With Music and Creativity for All?
With Music and Creativity for All is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to the transformative power of music, creativity, and the arts. We believe that creative expression is a human right—not a privilege—and work to make high-quality private lessons and creative opportunities accessible to every child and family, regardless of income, background, or ability.
We are new as a nonprofit (2025), but have been operating in Washtenaw since 2010. Our focus is now solely on delivering completely free private lessons, group classes, public workshops and community performances.
How can I get involved?
What makes access to music education so important?
Music education builds far more than musical skill—it strengthens attention, focus, working memory, emotional regulation, and perseverance. These executive functions are proven to improve academic success, reduce violence, and lower dropout and youth homelessness rates. In short, musical ability predicts long-term personal and academic success.
What challenges is the organization addressing?
A 2019 countywide report, Arts + Creative Integration Education for Student Excellence, revealed disparities in arts access across Washtenaw County, especially in racially and economically diverse areas. This common challenge isn’t limited only to just Washtenaw county. Our programs work to correct that imbalance by removing financial and logistical barriers that prevent participation. To put it simply, we come to your home, school, or community space and teach for free!
How do your programs operate?
We pair students with experienced teaching artists for individualized instruction that includes:
Personalized lessons on instruments and voice
Opportunities for songwriting, arranging, and digital music creation
Masterclasses with guest artists and family/caregiver workshops to support home practice
Integrated music theory to connect creativity with critical thinking
Performance opportunities in the community
Our teaching is tailored to each student’s interests to make their experience as fun and productive as possible. We prioritize creative equity for students: within the first few lessons, we learn what each student is excited about and what motivates them. This yields diverse lessons focused on everything from pop music, to jazz, classical and beyond. Above all, lessons are designed to be engaging, relevant, and fun—encouraging lifelong curiosity and creative confidence.
Who are your teachers?
Our teaching artists are professional musicians with:
Education & Experience: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or a related creative arts field, with years of experience teaching private and group lessons.
Instructional Excellence: Demonstrated ability to design engaging, student-centered lessons that integrate technical skill, creative exploration, and cultural responsiveness.
Professionalism & Collaboration: Committed to working closely with families and fellow artists to support each student’s growth and success.
How do you measure success?
Success looks different for each student. We evaluate progress through regular benchmarks, attendance, and observed growth in both musical skill and confidence. Each student’s goals are unique—success may mean mastering a piece, developing consistent practice habits, writing a song, or performing for an audience. Over time, we aim to see stronger academic performance, deeper family engagement, and greater community participation.
How is the program making an impact?
Our vision is an arts education landscape where every child can access the life-changing benefits of musical literacy. By combining quality teaching, family support, and community performances, we strengthen academic achievement, family cohesion, and community pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
DONATE to fund free lessons and supplies
NOMINATE a student to receive free lessons by filling out our online inquiry form
REHOME AN INSTRUMENT you’re no longer using
VOLUNTEER as a mentor, teaching artist, event helper, or creative partner
PARTNER with us as a school, community group, or local business
ATTEND OUR PERFORMANCES to celebrate student achievement
What is With Music and Creativity for All?
With Music and Creativity for All is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to the transformative power of music, creativity, and the arts. We believe that creative expression is a human right—not a privilege—and work to make high-quality private lessons and creative opportunities accessible to every child and family, regardless of income, background, or ability.
We are new as a nonprofit (2025), but have been operating in Washtenaw since 2010. Our focus is now solely on delivering completely free private lessons, group classes, public workshops and community performances.
How can I get involved?
DONATE to fund free lessons and supplies
NOMINATE a student to receive free lessons by filling out our online inquiry form
REHOME AN INSTRUMENT you’re no longer using
VOLUNTEER as a mentor, teaching artist, event helper, or creative partner
PARTNER with us as a school, community group, or local business
ATTEND OUR PERFORMANCES to celebrate student achievement
What makes access to music education so important?
Music education builds far more than musical skill—it strengthens attention, focus, working memory, emotional regulation, and perseverance. These executive functions are proven to improve academic success, reduce violence, and lower dropout and youth homelessness rates. In short, musical ability predicts long-term personal and academic success.
What challenges is the organization addressing?
A 2019 countywide report, Arts + Creative Integration Education for Student Excellence, revealed disparities in arts access across Washtenaw County, especially in racially and economically diverse areas. This common challenge isn’t limited only to just Washtenaw county. Our programs work to correct that imbalance by removing financial and logistical barriers that prevent participation. To put it simply, we come to your home, school, or community space and teach for free!
How do your programs operate?
We pair students with experienced teaching artists for individualized instruction that includes:
Personalized lessons on instruments and voice
Opportunities for songwriting, arranging, and digital music creation
Masterclasses with guest artists and family/caregiver workshops to support home practice
Integrated music theory to connect creativity with critical thinking
Performance opportunities in the community
Our teaching is tailored to each student’s interests to make their experience as fun and productive as possible. We prioritize creative equity for students: within the first few lessons, we learn what each student is excited about and what motivates them. This yields diverse lessons focused on everything from pop music, to jazz, classical and beyond. Above all, lessons are designed to be engaging, relevant, and fun—encouraging lifelong curiosity and creative confidence.
Who are your teachers?
Our teaching artists are professional musicians with:
Education & Experience: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or a related creative arts field, with years of experience teaching private and group lessons.
Instructional Excellence: Demonstrated ability to design engaging, student-centered lessons that integrate technical skill, creative exploration, and cultural responsiveness.
Professionalism & Collaboration: Committed to working closely with families and fellow artists to support each student’s growth and success.
How do you measure success?
Success looks different for each student. We evaluate progress through regular benchmarks, attendance, and observed growth in both musical skill and confidence. Each student’s goals are unique—success may mean mastering a piece, developing consistent practice habits, writing a song, or performing for an audience. Over time, we aim to see stronger academic performance, deeper family engagement, and greater community participation.
How is the program making an impact?
Our vision is an arts education landscape where every child can access the life-changing benefits of musical literacy. By combining quality teaching, family support, and community performances, we strengthen academic achievement, family cohesion, and community pride.
DONATE to fund free lessons and supplies
NOMINATE a student to receive free lessons by filling out our online inquiry form
REHOME AN INSTRUMENT you’re no longer using
VOLUNTEER as a mentor, teaching artist, event helper, or creative partner
PARTNER with us as a school, community group, or local business
ATTEND OUR PERFORMANCES to celebrate student achievement