Play It Forward Music Foundation

Play It Forward Music Foundation offers free music lessons, free instruments, and performance opportunities. It also offers a free weekly preschool music hour, Friday Preschool Music Class, school-based weekly instruction, and community concerts, workshops, and performances.

Programs

• Free Music Lessons — people of all ages; scholarship program for passionate learners of all ages
• Free Weekly Preschool Music Hour — preschool · weekly · Free weekly preschool music hour.
• School-Based Programs — weekly instruction · Partnered school and organization programs serving students with limited opportunities; teachers bring music lessons and support emotional wellbeing, confidence, and life skills.
• Community Programs — people of all ages · Friday Preschool Music Class; workshops; performances · Community concerts, workshops, performances, and a Friday Preschool Music Class throughout Sonoma County.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–18 years old
• General schedule: Since 2017. Free Weekly Preschool Music Hour; Friday Preschool Music Class; weekly instruction in school-based programs; community concerts, workshops, and performances throughout Sonoma County.

About the provider

Play It Forward Music Foundation was born from a musician's vision in 2016, and Nick Simmons and Dave Silva started the program in 2017. Its mission is to foster connection through music, and it provides programming, instruments, lessons, and performance opportunities to people with limited access.

Believes music belongs to everyone regardless of background, race, religion, or financial circumstances; committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; free access to musical instruments and music lessons for disadvantaged children and adults.

What families say

“Johnny loves the cello. He works through his frustration instead of getting stuck. The smile and look on his face when he finally plays the piece correctly is amazing. Thank you for giving him this opportunity.” — Shannon, parent

“It gave him genuine confidence. Each accomplishment he’d make playing not only boosted his confidence in playing guitar, but also in his daily life. I saw a shy kid learn to open up and become more comfortable in personal and social settings. Now, when I see him during a performance I am blown away by how comfortable he looks and feels on stage.” — Deanna McGinnis, parent

“I’m forever grateful. Nikhil was emotionally traumatized by the fire but his love for music helped him cope. We lost our house in the Santa Rosa Fire and Play It Forward was able to give my son a scholarship for drum lessons.” — Punam Aery, parent

Last updated October 5, 2026.