The District Magazine Vol. 1 Issue 4, Winter 2016 | Page 40
G I V I N G M AT T E R S
Instruments 4
Life
Instruments 4 Life is a Tampa-based
501c3 non-profit that formed in 2011
by four-lifetime friends. They have
worked with numerous organizations
to provide music lessons & instruments
to underprivileged and deserving children.
“We’re trying to make the world more musical,”
said co-founder John Soler. “Life is nothing
without art, and we are working to make sure that
all kids who may have never had the opportunity
are given a chance to experience the joy of
playing music.”
The founders all grew up in Tampa and have
played music together for years. “Dane Gilbert
& John had a garage band in middle school. I
used to go over and just listen,” said David Diaz,
“finally they let me hold a guitar one day, and I
never put it down again. They were the ones to
teach me the gift of playing music, and now we
are all able to pass that along to others.”
Instruments 4 Life, I4L for short, has devoted the
most time to working with group foster homes
around the local area, providing not just music
lessons but mentorship as well. “It’s not just about
the notes, making a connection is important if
you want to make a lasting impact on these kids,”
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says Todd Nanni. “We’ve stayed longer after
lessons to play sports, help with studies, or even
just to chat about life. Music is just one way that
we can help them grow confidence.”
The group has also set up lessons with after
school programs, churches, children cancer
centers, & more. “Every kid, every person for
that matter, needs an outlet. For us, that’s music.
We love being able to share that and make it
a possibility,” says Dane Gilbert. “We don’t
see ourselves as the best musicians or greatest
teachers, but we can do what we can to hopefully
make a difference and give back.”
Instruments 4 Life is grassroots funded. Help
make the world more musical by connecting
with them at facebook.com/instruments4life or
emailing [email protected].