Music for Life enables youth challenged by adverse circumstances to succeed and become productive, caring and responsible members of society; we provide them a positive alternative to the self-destructive behaviors of substance abuse, crime, truancy and gangs. We are all-volunteer and provide them free after school music education in their communities; bringing quality programs into challenged neighborhoods is the most effective way to reduce crime and gang activity. We instill the confidence and character necessary to succeed by engaging their creative potential with a structured music program and then coupling that with our mentoring in music-related careers. Students learn the benefits of a music education; about music related career opportunities; and how to play guitar. Research has shown a strong correlation between music education and a person