Rhythm & Relief -

Rhythm & Relief is a 501(c)(3) umbrella nonprofit headquartered in Los Angeles that supports organizations using music to relieve anxiety, trauma, and acute pain. Rather than providing therapy directly, Rhythm & Relief raises funds and awareness for a growing ensemble of front-line music therapy and music intervention organizations, and partners with the music and entertainment industries to amplify their work.

Rhythm & Relief’s mission is the relief of anxiety, trauma, and acute pain through the power of music. The organization pursues this mission under the rallying cry “Relief Through Music” by funding and amplifying partner organizations that deliver music-based programs to people in need.

Yes. Rhythm & Relief is a U.S. nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation. The organization’s Tax ID (EIN) is 99-2633547, which means donations from U.S. taxpayers are generally tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Rhythm & Relief is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with plans to scale globally beginning with the United Kingdom. The organization works with partner nonprofits across the United States and is building toward an international network.

Rhythm & Relief was founded by Glen Ward, a music-industry leader with more than 40 years of global experience. Glen previously served as CEO of Virgin Entertainment Group (North America), Chairman of the Music Business Association, and on the boards of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and Music For All Seasons. He also currently chairs the Jazz Bakery performance space in Los Angeles.

Rhythm & Relief is led by President & Founder Glen Ward, with a board and advisory team drawn from across the music, live events, and philanthropy worlds. Board members include Chris Scoates, Dave Alder, Carmen Murray, Kynderly Haskins, Denise C. Moreno, Kristin Grant, Jeff Keul (Treasurer), Scotty Gelade, Roger Ritchie, Chris Parkes, and Lynn Bowen (Secretary). A full team listing is available on the About Us page.

Rhythm & Relief operates as an umbrella nonprofit: it raises funds collectively and channels them to vetted partner organizations that deliver music-based programs for health and well-being. The model also includes joint awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and music-industry partnerships designed to lift the entire ensemble at once.

To Rhythm & Relief’s knowledge, it is the only U.S. nonprofit of its kind focused specifically on funding multiple music therapy and music intervention programs under one roof.

Rhythm & Relief’s ensemble currently includes more than 30 partner nonprofits, with new organizations
joining as the network grows. Current partners include:

Voices of Valor, Music for All Seasons, Music & Memory, Sounds of Saving, Music 4 Seniors, Songwriting With: Soldiers, Purple Playground, Music Has Healing Power, The Angel Band Project, Project: Music Heals Us, Autism & Music, Swan Songs, A Child’s Song, Indy Music & Wellness, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, Music for Teen Mental Health, Harmony & Healing, Music and Wellness, Able Arts Work, Texas Music Project, the Children’s Music Fund, Face the Music, Songs of Love, Daniel’s Music Foundation, Songs For Kids Foundation, Music For Our Mental Health, We Are All Music, Free Guitars 4 Kids, Urban Voices Project, Believe Your Grreatness, Especially Everyone, and Salastina.

The full, current list is on the What We Do page.

Rhythm & Relief partners with nonprofits whose existing programs specifically harness the healing power of music for health and well-being. Initial research identified more than fifty such organizations in the U.S., and the goal is to welcome every qualified group and ultimately scale the model worldwide.

No. Rhythm & Relief does not deliver music therapy or music intervention services directly. The organization raises funds and awareness so its partner organizations, the practitioners on the front lines can reach more people with their music-based programs.

Music-focused nonprofits whose programs use music to support health and well-being can apply to join the ensemble through the Connect page on rhythmandrelief.org or by emailing info@rhythmandrelief.org.

Yes. A growing body of research shows that music engages brain regions tied to emotion, memory, reward, and motor function, and that music-based interventions can reduce pain, anxiety, and depression while supporting speech, physical rehabilitation, and even heart health. Clinical studies have also shown benefits in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD, and depression.

Music works as therapy because it activates the brain, body, and emotions simultaneously — something very
few other stimuli can do. Three mechanisms are especially well documented:

It engages multiple brain regions at once. Listening to music activates areas tied to reward, memory, and emotion. This is why music can reach people whose other cognitive functions are impaired — a person with Alzheimer’s may not recognize family members but can still recall songs from their youth.

It releases feel-good chemicals. Music triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood and motivation, producing reward responses similar to food, exercise, or social bonding.

It regulates the nervous system through rhythm. Rhythm synchronizes with bodily processes like heart rate, breathing, and movement — a principle called entrainment, used clinically in Parkinson’s care (to help walking patterns) and stroke recovery (to regain speech and movement).

Notable research includes neuroscientist Daniel Levitin’s books This Is Your Brain on Music and I Heard There Was A Secret Chord, which document how music engages multiple brain regions and can reduce stress, improve immune function, and help manage pain.

Rhythm & Relief partner Sounds of Saving has also published “A Sound Approach: A Review of the Role of Music in Addressing Our Mental Health Crisis,” which surveys evidence on music’s role in emotional and neurological well-being.

More research, reading, and resources are available on the Learn page.

Music intervention and music therapy have been studied and applied across a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic and acute pain, Alzheimer’s and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery, autism spectrum conditions, and pediatric medical procedures. Rhythm & Relief’s partner organizations focus on different populations veterans, children in hospitals, people in hospices, those struggling with suicidal thoughts, seniors with cognitive decline, victims of sexual abuse and many more.

You can donate online through the Donate button on rhythmandrelief.org, which processes contributions securely via Stripe. Donations of any amount are welcome and, because Rhythm & Relief is a registered 501(c)(3), are generally tax-deductible for U.S. donors.

85% or more of every donation goes directly to partner organizations and their music-based healing programs. No more than 15% is used for Rhythm & Relief’s general administration, operations, and fundraising expenses.

Undirected donations are distributed to partner organizations on a pro-rata basis, calculated against each organization’s prior-year operating budget. If a donor specifies a recipient, the gift is directed to that organization. The model is expected to evolve over time to reflect verifiable impact, while remaining transparent and accountable.

Yes. Donors who wish to support a specific partner organization in the ensemble can indicate that preference at the time of giving, and the funds will be directed accordingly.

Yes. Rhythm & Relief is a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation (Tax ID 99-2633547), so donations from U.S. taxpayers are generally tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors should consult their own tax advisor regarding their individual circumstances.

Heroes is Rhythm & Relief’s recognition group for donors who contribute $100 or more — a nod to the David Bowie song. Heroes receive:

• A lifetime affiliation with Rhythm & Relief
• A one-of-a-kind Rhythm & Relief “Hero” T-shirt
• Invitations to exclusive events
• Priority booking and discounted tickets to performances
• Access to exclusive merchandise

There are several ways to support the mission:

• Donate online — any amount helps
• Become a Hero with a gift of $100 or more
• Join the Rhythm Section if you’re an artist or musician (link tba)
• Apply as a partner organization if you run a music-based nonprofit
• Shop the Store — profits go to partner organizations
• Subscribe to the Relief Notes newsletter and follow R&R on social to help amplify the mission

The Rhythm Section is Rhythm & Relief’s coalition of artists and musicians who lend their voice to the cause. Members support the mission in whatever way works for them — by lending their name, sharing a quote, posting video testimonials, joining interviews, or rallying fans behind the healing power of music. R&B/pop artist Jada Nikole was among the first to join.

Artists at any level can support Rhythm & Relief by joining the Rhythm Section. The commitment is entirely flexible: lend your name, share a quote, post a social testimonial, or perform at a fundraising event. To explore options, reach out at info@rhythmandrelief.org.

Rhythm & Relief Records is the nonprofit’s record imprint. The first official release is “Always Been You,” an R&B/pop ballad by California-based artist Jada Nikole, distributed by TITLE 9 / Earth Program.

Yes. Rhythm & Relief sells branded merchandise through the online Store, and all profits from those sales go to partner organizations. Donors who give $100 or more also receive an exclusive “Hero” T-shirt as a thank-you.

Yes. Rhythm & Relief partners with the music and entertainment communities to produce fundraising initiatives — from livestreamed performances and large-scale concerts to exclusive music releases, special engagements, and memorabilia auctions. Upcoming events are announced through the Relief Notes newsletter and on R&R’s social channels.

General inquiries: info@rhythmandrelief.org or the contact form on the Connect page.

Media inquiries: media@rhythmandrelief.org.

Members of the press can reach Rhythm & Relief directly at media@rhythmandrelief.org. The team welcomes interview requests, story pitches, and inquiries from journalists covering music, mental health, and nonprofit innovation.

Subscribe to the Relief Notes newsletter through the signup form on rhythmandrelief.org, and follow R&R on social:

• Instagram: @rhythmrelieforg
• Facebook: Rhythm & Relief
• TikTok: @rhythmandrelief
• YouTube: @RhythmandReliefOrg
• Substack: @rhythmrelief