In the past couple of years, my 12-year-old brother Aidan and I have seen some of our friends struggle with their mental well-being. As classical musicians, we’ve found that music is a powerful tool to inspire, uplift, and calm our busy minds. At 14, I played classical piano and I’m a proud member of the Denver Youth Orchestra, and I’m considered one of the top bassoon players in my age group in Colorado; and my brother also plays piano and saxophone. We believe that our musical backgrounds can help other teens navigate their lives and manage the challenges they face.
That’s why we founded M4TMH: (Music for Teen Mental Health).Our mission at M4TMH is simple: We want to use music to promote mental well-being by bringing peace and calmness to people. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to fostering a sense of community and connection among teenagers from all around the world. We believe that music has the power to calm troubled minds and help us navigate the busy life of teens. Through our concerts, fundraisers, and community outreach efforts, we strive to create spaces where teenagers can come together to express themselves, support one another, and raise funds for organizations that help youth. We felt the need to share our music with other teenagers to help them navigate the ups and downs of mental health. With the help of our friends and family, M4TMH was born.
Aidan and I have organized a team of young musicians – a team that is still growing – who share our vision of spreading positivity and support within our community through the healing power of music. From organizing concerts to bringing music to hospitals, senior centers, and local schools, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Through our blog, we share updates on our latest projects, highlight the incredible talents of our fellow musicians, and provide resources and inspiration for those looking to incorporate music into their daily lives and mental wellness journey.
As a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization, M4TMH is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of teenagers facing mental health struggles. Via fundraisers led by teen musicians, we help to raise money to support families in accessing counseling, camps, and programs tailored to the needs of troubled teens. Did you know that one counseling session can cost up to $120? Every dollar we raise through donations, concert tickets, merchandise, and performances go directly to supporting these initiatives, ensuring that no teenager faces their mental health journey alone.
Looking ahead, we are excited about this new project that will further expand access to our community through the power of music, including providing free music lessons to underserved communities. As we continue to grow, we invite teens to join us on this meaningful journey. Together, let us raise our voices in harmony, spreading positivity, hope, and healing to all those teens in need. M4TMH is more than an organization; it’s a community of kind, awesome and thoughtful teens who want to make a difference in this world.
