In Fall 2024, UCI student musicians brought the healing power of live music to residents of Regents Point Life Plan Community. These concerts not only uplifted spirits but also supported senior well-being, offering stress relief, sparking memories, and fostering meaningful connections through the universal language of music.
Through an innovative partnership with Playing For Change Foundation, the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change has significantly expanded the music program at Samueli Academy in Santa Ana, California, adding new classes, high-quality instruction, and essential instruments. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for students to thrive, express themselves, and build lasting skills through music.
In July 2024, the Glasser Center accompanied our partner Kakuma Sound—a powerful music collective from five African refugee camps—as they performed to packed crowds at Denmark’s renowned Roskilde Festival. This major nonprofit event celebrates sustainability, community, and musical talent from around the world, offering Kakuma Sound a global platform to share their voice.
Students in our Power of Music & Social Change course brought that spirit to life—creating original songs, videos, poems and artwork that celebrated music’s ability to inspire, unite and spark transformation. The creativity and passion they shared filled the classroom with energy and purpose.
Renowned music executive, educator, and entrepreneur Dr. Mathew Knowles delivered a Distinguished Guest Lecture in our Power of Music & Social Change course, offering students, faculty and staff an inspiring masterclass on visionary leadership and the transformative power of music.
This Fall, we welcome the third cohort of Glasser Music Scholars—10 inspiring UCI students using music to drive positive change through mentorship, collaboration and innovation. They join the growing community at the Glasser Center dedicated to making a lasting impact.
The inaugural Power of Music & Social Change course at UCI drew 140 students, exceeding expectations and sparking a classroom upgrade. Students explored how music fuels wellness, community and change, and many called it their favorite class.
We believe robust music programs can improve wellbeing and foster a sense of belonging for at-risk teens. That’s why we contributed $100,000 in 2024 to grow the music program at Samueli Academy—where enrollment in the Music Industry class has already quadrupled, growing from 5 to 20 students.
SINAL and Playing For Change Foundation have partnered with the Glasser Center on research to assess how pairing low-cost GIS technology training with music and arts programs can strengthen livelihoods, resilience, and community connection in Bidibidi refugee camp. Together, we’re building evidence to drive lasting impact for displaced communities.
Glasser Center lab director and UCI Professor Dr. Michael Dessen received $150,000 from UC Alianza MX for CaucesSónicos, a cross-border music project using collaborative composition to drive education and cultural exchange across the U.S.–México borderlands.