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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 MOREPartnerships
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
Past Event - May 2025
Breaking into the Music Industry Conference
Over the course of two and a half unforgettable days, the Glasser Center sponsored several students to connect with top executives, renowned artists, influential mentors, and industry insiders. Guest speakers Alec Glasser and Dr. Richard Matthews inspired attendees, helping them take their careers to new heights.
Past Event - April 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
Past Event - February 2025
Student Showcase
In partnership with the Save The Music Foundation, The Drake Gives hosted a vibrant community-wide student showcase at Katella High School in Anaheim, CA to celebrate the impact of arts education on over 15,000 students in underserved Orange County schools.
Past Event - February 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.
January 14, 2025
Laguna Beach developer, restaurateur makes largest gift to date to UCI’s School of Social Ecology
Los Angeles Times
READ MORE
Past Event - August 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.
July 16, 2024
Roskilde Festival Huge Success! KS now an int’l force to be reckoned with
Kakuma Sound News
READ MORE
Past Event - May 2025
Breaking into the Music Industry Conference
Over the course of two and a half unforgettable days, the Glasser Center sponsored several students to connect with top executives, renowned artists, influential mentors, and industry insiders. Guest speakers Alec Glasser and Dr. Richard Matthews inspired attendees, helping them take their careers to new heights.
Past Event - April 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
Past Event - February 2025
Student Showcase
In partnership with the Save The Music Foundation, The Drake Gives hosted a vibrant community-wide student showcase at Katella High School in Anaheim, CA to celebrate the impact of arts education on over 15,000 students in underserved Orange County schools.
Past Event - February 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.
January 14, 2025
Laguna Beach developer, restaurateur makes largest gift to date to UCI’s School of Social Ecology
Los Angeles Times
READ MOREPast Event - August 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.
July 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!
