Get ready to make a difference in the lives of young Maine musicians! We are celebrating the love of music all this July and August by collecting unneeded musical instruments and putting them into the hands of young music students across Maine. It is time, once again to make a little noise and this year we want to get super LOUD!
The 2025 Instrument Drive is being sponsored by Music Drives Us, an organization whose mission is to preserve music education and produce musical opportunities for all communities throughout New England. They strive to accomplish this mission by offering grants to individuals and organizations. The 2025 grant cycle is now open and they are reviewing applications!
Check out their amazing grant opportunities specific to musical instruments.
SPECIAL LAUNCH EVENT!
This year we're kicking off our instrument drive on June 8th with Music Drives Us and the Maine Academy of Modern Music at the Resurgam Festival in Portland! Stop by our Maine Public booth to donate a gently used instrument and receive a limited-edition Instrument Drive t-shirt (while supplies last) as a THANK YOU!
As Summer ends, all instruments will be thoughtfully donated to students and music programs statewide. Last year over 350 instruments were distributed to music students from Biddeford to Caribou! Whether you’re cleaning out your closet or upgrading your own gear, this is a perfect chance to give the gift of music to a deserving young artist!
How can I donate?
We have drop-off bins set up in the foyers of each of our studios and they are accessible during regular business hours.
- Portland Studio at 323 Marginal Way
- Lewiston Studio at 1450 Lisbon Street
- Bangor Studio at 63 Texas Avenue
Is there any tax benefit?
We have available a donation form at each location that you can use to self-report your donation and its value for tax purposes.
What instruments will you accept?
EVERYTHING (!) except for pianos.
I am a music leader at a Maine school; how do I go about requesting instruments?
Write to Sadie Bonang at sbonang@mainepublic.org and we will reach back out and see if we can help fulfill some of your instrument needs at the end of this year’s instrument drive.
About Maine Academy of Modern Music:
Maine Academy of Modern Music is a Portland-based non-profit dedicated to youth development through music education, using the power of Rock music to inspire students, foster creative collaboration, and build community.
MAMM believes in the transformational power of music to enrich quality of life by providing a healthy, positive, and fun outlet for creative expression. They offer Lessons, band instruction, summer camps, community collaborations, and public concerts like Resurgam. For more information, visit Maine Academy of Modern Music.