Inspire. Empower.
Transform.
Music is more than entertainment.
Research confirms it is a powerful force for connection, cultural exchange, individual well-being, and positive social transformation.
Today, as we face urgent challenges locally, nationally, and globally, we unite scientists, scholars, educators, artists, and changemakers to explore and demonstrate how music can spark personal growth and drive positive social change.
Welcome to the Alec Glasser Center for
the Power of Music & Social Change!
4 PILLARS
Through four pillars of activity, we link the power of music to individual flourishing, social change and environmental sustainability.
Impact
Experience the power of music in action and discover how the Glasser Center is sparking innovation, building vibrant communities, and turning music into a catalyst for real, lasting change.
Empowering Students Through Music
Our partnership with Save The Music brings high-quality music programs to underserved public schools. Since 2021, over $750,000 has been raised to support public school music education—funding programs in Orange County, California, and aiding schools across the U.S. This work ensures students have access to music as a powerful tool for creative expression, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging in their educational journey.
READ MORE
Mapping Change in Uganda
In Bidibidi, a refugee camp in northern Uganda, we pair GIS technology with music and arts programs to provide opportunities and strengthen livelihoods for sustained resilience, community building, storytelling, social network building, skill development and access to wage employment.
Investing in Music-Driven Futures
Since launching in 2023, our Glasser Music Scholarship program has supported 20 UCI students who are passionate about infusing music into their careers, awarding 10 students each year with $10,000. More than financial aid, this program invests in future changemakers who believe in music’s power to inspire and transform.
Empowering Students Through Music
Our partnership with Save The Music brings high-quality music programs to underserved public schools. Since 2021, over $750,000 has been raised to support public school music education—funding programs in Orange County, California, and aiding schools across the U.S. This work ensures students have access to music as a powerful tool for creative expression, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging in their educational journey.
READ MORE
Mapping Change in Uganda
In Bidibidi, a refugee camp in northern Uganda, we pair GIS technology with music and arts programs to provide opportunities and strengthen livelihoods for sustained resilience, community building, storytelling, social network building, skill development and access to wage employment.
Investing in Music-Driven Futures
Since launching in 2023, our Glasser Music Scholarship program has supported 20 UCI students who are passionate about infusing music into their careers, awarding 10 students each year with $10,000. More than financial aid, this program invests in future changemakers who believe in music’s power to inspire and transform.
Partnerships
Collaboration is at the core of the Glasser Center, driving our mission to make music accessible to all and harness its transformative power for social good.
LEARN MORE
Latest News & Events
Explore the latest stories, announcements and events highlighting our work and the impact we're making together
02/02/2026
Sing Sing Film Screening
Join us for a co-sponsored film screening and panel discussion on the transformative impact of the arts. Moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Cauffman, the panel will feature Sing Sing cast member Sean "Dino" Johnson, student researchers, esteemed faculty, and individuals with lived experience in California prisons.
RSVP HERE
01/28/2026
A Just Transition for Whom? Insights on Building an Equitable Energy Transition
Dr. Mijin Cha explored how a justice-centered “just transition” can drive a rapid transition away from fossil fuels while delivering shared benefits for workers and communities.
01/31/2026
Street Fight: How Cities Battle Climate, Housing, and Inequality
Dr. Daniel Cohen shared insights on how grassroots housing movements are reshaping urban climate policy and why green social housing may determine the future of climate justice in cities.
01/07/2026
A Warm Start to the New Year
The Winter Welcome Gathering brought faculty, staff, partners, students, and scholars together in celebration of the new year and shared community.
11/01/2025
Alec Glasser Named to Orange County Business Journal’s OC 500
Alec is recognized for his contributions to OC's business and philanthropic landscape, driven by his commitment to expanding music education and supporting community initiatives.
READ MORE
11/01/2025
Charis Kubrin Honored with the 2026 Stockholm Prize in Criminology
Esteemed faculty affiliate Charis Kubrin is commended for her influential criminology research, advancing crime reduction efforts and strengthening human rights.
READ MORE
05/01/2025
Breaking into the Music Industry Conference
Over two and a half unforgettable days, the Glasser Center sponsored students to connect with top executives, renowned artists, and industry insiders. Guest speakers Alec Glasser and Dr. Richard Matthew inspired attendees to elevate their careers.
04/01/2025
Annual Fundraiser
In an unforgettable celebration of music, The Drake Gives Annual Fundraiser raised essential support to back music education in Orange County’s underserved public schools.
READ MORE
02/01/2025
Mathew Knowles Talk
Entrepreneur, marketing expert, and record producer Mathew Knowles shared insights on success in a conversation with Professor Richard Matthew as part of UC Irvine’s inaugural Power of Music and Social Change class.
01/14/2025
Laguna Beach developer, restaurateur makes largest gift to date to UCI’s School of Social Ecology
Los Angeles Times
READ MORE
08/01/2024
Samueli Academy Launch
The Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change has partnered with Playing for Change Foundation to expand access to music education at the Samueli Academy in Santa Ana, CA.
07/16/2024
Roskilde Festival Huge Success! KS now an int’l force to be reckoned with
Kakuma Sound News
READ MORE
02/02/2026
Sing Sing Film Screening
Join us for a co-sponsored film screening and panel discussion on the transformative impact of the arts. Moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Cauffman, the panel will feature Sing Sing cast member Sean "Dino" Johnson, student researchers, esteemed faculty, and individuals with lived experience in California prisons.
RSVP HERE01/28/2026
A Just Transition for Whom? Insights on Building an Equitable Energy Transition
Dr. Mijin Cha explored how a justice-centered “just transition” can drive a rapid transition away from fossil fuels while delivering shared benefits for workers and communities.
01/31/2026
Street Fight: How Cities Battle Climate, Housing, and Inequality
Dr. Daniel Cohen shared insights on how grassroots housing movements are reshaping urban climate policy and why green social housing may determine the future of climate justice in cities.
01/07/2026
A Warm Start to the New Year
The Winter Welcome Gathering brought faculty, staff, partners, students, and scholars together in celebration of the new year and shared community.
11/01/2025
Alec Glasser Named to Orange County Business Journal’s OC 500
Alec is recognized for his contributions to OC's business and philanthropic landscape, driven by his commitment to expanding music education and supporting community initiatives.
READ MORE11/01/2025
Charis Kubrin Honored with the 2026 Stockholm Prize in Criminology
Esteemed faculty affiliate Charis Kubrin is commended for her influential criminology research, advancing crime reduction efforts and strengthening human rights.
READ MORE
05/01/2025
Breaking into the Music Industry Conference
Over two and a half unforgettable days, the Glasser Center sponsored students to connect with top executives, renowned artists, and industry insiders. Guest speakers Alec Glasser and Dr. Richard Matthew inspired attendees to elevate their careers.
04/01/2025
Annual Fundraiser
In an unforgettable celebration of music, The Drake Gives Annual Fundraiser raised essential support to back music education in Orange County’s underserved public schools.
READ MORE
02/01/2025
Mathew Knowles Talk
Entrepreneur, marketing expert, and record producer Mathew Knowles shared insights on success in a conversation with Professor Richard Matthew as part of UC Irvine’s inaugural Power of Music and Social Change class.
01/14/2025
Laguna Beach developer, restaurateur makes largest gift to date to UCI’s School of Social Ecology
Los Angeles Times
READ MORE
08/01/2024
Samueli Academy Launch
The Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change has partnered with Playing for Change Foundation to expand access to music education at the Samueli Academy in Santa Ana, CA.
07/16/2024
Roskilde Festival Huge Success! KS now an int’l force to be reckoned with
Kakuma Sound News
READ MORE
Follow Us!
Join our social network and be part of a growing community that believes in the power of music to transform lives—follow us for updates, stories and ways to get involved!
Get Involved
Join us in harnessing the power of music to create meaningful change through education, research, community engagement, and celebration. There is a place for everyone to make an impact!
