Music Saved My Life: by Brandon Bernstein/CEO

I have experienced and witnessed the power of music first hand. When I first began learning guitar when I was 13, I really believe it saved my life. I grew up in a low-middle class household and from an early age I always had a rough relationship with my father. I was told before I was 3 that I was stupid, that I wouldn’t amount to much and that studying music was a waste of time. I was an outsider in school and never felt like I fit in with anyone. I was not aware at the time, but I most likely was suffering from trauma. Through music I began feeling like I fit in...that I had a purpose... it was and is my passion. Music offered an escape from certain realities in my life. The more I began to study and perform music I began having hope. My overall happiness and well-being improved significantly as did my confidence and believing in myself. I was very lucky to have access to a band program and teachers that believed in me. I finished school, was awarded scholarships to universities and developed lifetime friendships and community that I most likely never would have otherwise.

Recently, music has saved my life again. In 2013, I went through some life events that shattered my foundation. These events included divorce, a stabbing at a college and very serious illness that nearly took my life. I did not realize it at the time, but this was extremely traumatic. Again, it was music that gave me hope and helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life.

This story is not unique to me, but sadly, occurs often with those pursuing dreams and passions that aren’t typically seen as lucrative. I have witnessed this often in the arts. As a teacher, I saw this first-hand with students being intentionally put down or discouraged, wrongfully told they had learning disabilities, made to feel inadequate, or that their life was void or purpose if they pursued their passions instead of focusing on a career of financial security... even if they would be miserable in doing so. Because music is not deemed a ‘successful’ or ‘lucrative’ area of study, it’s importance is often neglected as a viable career or subject to study. Yet, many of the most successful people on the planet often attribute their study of music and/or arts as the reason they are where they are. From Nobel Peace Prize Recipients to Doctors, (75% studied music formally), Architects, Lawyers among many others. Hopefully, we can find ways to bring awareness of the power of music and to ensure every child has access to music education.