Celebrating 20 Years of Music Drives Us
In 2006, Ernie Boch Jr. founded Music Drives Us after witnessing the impact of budget cuts on music education. Boch, an avid musician and Berklee College of Music graduate, wanted to ensure that music will be taught in schools across New England for generations to come.
By supporting music education through program funding, instrument donations, and opportunities for live performances each year, MDU helps keep music programs alive when funding disappears. Through this work, we strengthen schools and communities by making music education accessible, and inspire creativity and confidence through music and the arts.
2026 marks two decades of Music Drives Us – 20 years of helping to keep music a vital, accessible, and transformative force for young people and communities throughout New England. Here’s to the next 20!
20
Years of Continuous Impact
2 decades of transforming communities through music
Millions
of Dollars Donated
Music Drives Us has provided millions in funding to teachers and schools in need.
400+
Schools & Organizations
Supported institutions across New England
10,000+
Instruments Donated
Quality instruments placed in young hands
Hundreds
of Grants Awarded
Including: Instruments, Performance, & Organizational
Keeping Music in Our Schools Since 2006
Music Drives Us supports emerging artists and music education programs through grants, instrument donations, and community partnerships. Together, we're ensuring the next generation has access to the transformative power of music.
Music Drives Us, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and support of our partners that share our deep commitment to music education. Together, we are building a stronger, more harmonious community – one note at a time.
Partners of Music Drives Us
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Falcetti Music
The Falcetti Companies include Falcetti Pianos, Falcetti Music, and Northeast Pianos Movers, as well as two subdivisions: Northeast Piano Service and the Falcetti School of Music. Together, the Falcetti Companies are ideally positioned to be a go-to resource for all music education, piano and instrument needs. Our mission is to inspire musicians across the region, ensuring that music education and live music continues and thrives in our communities.
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Blues Schoolhouse
Blues Schoolhouse is a live musical presentation tracing the history of the blues from its African roots to its emergence as a powerful American art form. It teaches students how music can reflect social conditions, drive change, and create a sense of community. The program reaches thousands of students annually, thanks to the support of Music Drives Us.
https://musicforwardfoundation.org/programs/blues-schoolhouse/
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Boch Center
Boch Center is a nonprofit innovator and guardian of iconic venues, providing relevant and inclusive performing arts entertainment and cultural educational experiences for the most diverse audiences possible.
https://www.bochcenter.org/