UC IRVINE | The Drake Gives

Music is more than just entertainment. Science tells us that music carries great benefits for health, problem solving, bringing people together, peace building, and more.

ALEC GLASSER CENTER FOR THE POWER OF MUSIC AND SOCIAL CHANGE

What we are building is unprecedented, timely and life-changing — a truly novel approach to understanding and leveraging music’s transformational role in society. Together, we are establishing tangible programs and partnerships that enrich lives and strengthen communities.

We invite you to join leaders, faculty, students, researchers, activists and artists in exploring how the vast power of music can be used as an effective tool of transformation as we harness the science of music to address pressing contemporary challenges through four pillars of activity: TEACH. RESEARCH. ENGAGE. CELEBRATE.

*Alec Glasser has fully endowed this novel Center at the University of California, Irvine’s School of Social Ecology.

“Alec Glasser’s generous donations to our school have enabled us to establish the Glasser Center and award student scholarships – and that’s just the beginning of the groundbreaking innovations we are planning. We are committed to our pursuit of solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.”

- Jon Gould, Dean of the School of Social Ecology

THE FOUR PILLARS

Teach

The Glasser Center for the Power of Music and Social Change will establish a dynamic platform at UCI dedicated to teaching about the transformative potential of music. Through our innovative programs, we aim to enrich students’ lives in evidence-based ways, integrate music into their disparate majors and careers, and create pathways into the music and music-adjacent sectors of the economy.

Led by Richard Matthew, professor of urban planning and public policy, has debuted a new course open to all UC Irvine students – titled “Power of Music and Social Change”. It focuses on music’s ability to mobilize communities, improve health outcomes, promote justice and transform lives beyond traditional contexts – the rigorous investigation of music in relation to neurological development, educational attainment, physical and psychological health, sustainable development, and social justice.

Research

Through collaboration with faculty members across campus, researchers are studying the power of music in many areas – education; physical health; climate change and sustainability; mental health and wellness; urban planning and regeneration; human trafficking; the criminal justice system; protest, activism and social change; neurological development; therapy and healing; technology; conflict resolution; and social justice.

By prioritizing research, we are selling the promise of real impact, bolstering our case for funding and support. Our collaboration across the UCI campus, particularly within the School of Social Ecology, allows us to conduct world-class research projects focused on validating the Power of Music in critical areas.

Engage

Engagement is at the heart of the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music and Social Change. By forging partnerships with local organizations, schools and communities worldwide, the center aims to create accessible platforms that empower disadvantaged youth to explore and embrace the world of music and all its benefits.

Among the center’s partners so far are the Samueli Academy in Santa Ana, Regents Point senior living community in Irvine, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in France, the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, Yole!Africa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Collaborative Media Advocacy Program (CMAP)/Chicoco Studios in Nigeria, Kakuma Sound in Kenya, and Playing For Change in multiple locations.

Celebrate

Music fosters a sense of joy and connection that transcends boundaries, it has an unparalleled ability to unite people, creating a vibrant celebration of our shared humanity. Whether through joining a choir, attending a concert or dancing, music fosters a sense of joy and connection that transcends boundaries and the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music and Social Change will also focus on sharing our findings and celebrating the power of music.

Key elements will include deepening global relationships, participating in global festivals and engaging the local community. We are planning an annual festival on the UCI campus dedicated to honoring the Glasser Center’s achievements and music’s profound influence on the lives we touch. This celebration will serve as a vibrant gathering that highlights the importance of music in fostering community, sparking creativity and inspiring change - embodying the essence of what it means to be human.

THE TEAM

The Center is spearheaded by Richard Matthew, professor of urban planning and public policy and director of the UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation, in close collaboration with Alec Glasser, Chairman of its Executive Committee and Founder of The Drake Gives, a vibrant nonprofit dedicated to utilizing the power of music for personal growth and social good.

Learn More

Left to right: Michelle Ly, Richard Matthew, Wendy Misner, Alec Glasser, Stacy Skwarlo, Anna Kamanzi