What Musicians Without Borders does

Musicians Without Borders is a Netherlands-based nonprofit foundation (Stichting Musicians Without Borders) founded in 1999 that uses music as a tool for peacebuilding and social change in communities affected by war, armed conflict, and displacement. The organization operates a portfolio of eight active field programs spanning Central America (¡Soy Música!, Armonia Cuscatleca), East Africa (Rwanda Youth Music, Kivu Youth Music, Music of the Landscape), Europe (Welcome Notes, Music Connects, Mitrovica and Roma Rock Schools), and the Middle East (Al-Musiqa Tajm'ana, Bara'em Ghirass, Music as Therapy). These programs are unified by a proprietary Music Leadership Methodology refined over 25 years of field practice, combining safety, inclusion, equality, and creativity principles with evidence-based music therapy and band coaching frameworks. The organization also runs open Music Leadership Training courses, co-founded the art27 global platform for refugee-focused arts organizations, and participates in the Community Arts Network.

The underlying technology is human-mediated rather than software-based: a codified methodology for adaptive, culturally responsive music facilitation supported by a curriculum, training pipeline, and a network of over 700 trained music leaders across 55+ countries. Local delivery is executed through strategic partnerships with in-country NGOs (e.g., Global Vision for Africa, WE-ACTx for Hope, Ghirass Cultural Center), universities (University of Rwanda, Fontys Rockacademie), and government bodies (El Salvador Ministry of Education). The organization holds Dutch cultural ANBI status and CBF-Erkend Goed Doel charity certification.

The business model is donor-funded nonprofit with no fees charged to participants. Revenue streams include individual donations, corporate giving, foundation grants (including the Borletti-Buitoni Trust), institutional funding (European Union, UNICEF co-funding), and fundraising events. The organization is led by Founder and Director Laura Hassler, with a supervisory board chaired by Marit van Lenthe, and operates from a small central team of 11–50 staff based at its Amsterdam headquarters at Tolhuisweg 1. No equity, parent company, or commercial investment vehicle exists.

Name

Musicians Without Borders

Legal name

Stichting Musicians Without Borders

Website

https://musicianswithoutborders.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Musicians Without Borders is a Netherlands-based nonprofit founded in 1999 that uses music-based peacebuilding to serve children, youth, refugees, and trauma-affected communities across Central America, East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East through eight active programs and a 25-year-refined methodology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Peacebuilding Services

NAICS

Musical Groups and Artists (711130)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Music Instruction (Instrumental & Vocal) (EDAMAAAE)

Keywords

• Community music programs
• Music-based peacebuilding
• Music leadership training
• Refugee music education
• Conflict resolution music

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Donations from individual supporters worldwide to fund music programs for communities affected by war, conflict, and displacement.
2. Corporate Giving: Corporate donations and sponsorships from companies supporting the organization's mission.
3. Foundation and Grant Funding: Funding from foundations and institutional donors including Borletti-Buitoni Trust, European Union, and various national development agencies.
4. Fundraising Events: Fundraisers and benefit events to raise awareness and funds for programs.

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Musicians Without Borders delivers community-based music programs and training in regions affected by war, armed conflict, and displacement. Through a proprietary Music Leadership methodology refined over 25 years, the organization empowers vulnerable children and youth by training local musicians to deliver music-based peacebuilding, band coaching, and evidence-based music therapy in their own communities across Central America, East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Product overview

Musicians Without Borders operates as a portfolio of interconnected programs and methodologies for using music in peacebuilding and social change. The core offerings include eight active programs (Al-Musiqa Tajm'ana, Armonia Cuscatleca, Bara'em Ghirass, Kivu Youth Music, Music Connects, Rwanda Youth Music, ¡Soy Música!, and Welcome Notes) spanning Central America, East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. These programs are supported by four methodological services: Music Leadership Training (the organization's core methodology developed over 25 years), Band Coaching (for rock school programs), Music Therapy (evidence-based therapeutic approach), and Research and Evaluation. The organization also hosts art27, a global platform for arts organizations working with refugees, and maintains membership in the Community Arts Network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mitrovica Rock School: Rock school program in Kosovo working with local musicians to connect the city's divided youth from ethnically divided communities.
• Roma Rock School
• Music Connects
• art27
• Welcome Notes

Products and services

• Al-Musiqa Tajm'ana A progressive music leadership training program in Jordan that supports the development of an infrastructure of organizations and trained music leaders to empower vulnerable and underserved children through music.
• Armonia Cuscatleca A music education program in El Salvador promoting the healthy development of Salvadoran children and youth through free music lessons and safe spaces for musical practice and rehearsals.
• Bara'em Ghirass A weekly music program for children and youth from the Bethlehem district in Palestine, including refugee camps and isolated villages, providing music instrument lessons, music and movement workshops, ensembles, and choirs.
• Kivu Youth Music A music-making program in North Kivu, DR Congo engaging young people through nonviolent approaches to building communities prepared to act creatively and peacefully for their future.
• Music Connects A collaborative project using the power of music to connect youth from ethnically divided and marginalized communities in the Western Balkans, including Mitrovica Rock School and Roma Rock School.
• Rwanda Youth Music A program empowering young people in Rwanda to be actors for change within their communities, building skills to provide lasting changes to individuals, communities, and the infrastructure of care provision.
• ¡Soy Música! A program in El Salvador to foster a culture of peaceful coexistence through arts and music within the national school system, in collaboration with the Salvadoran Ministry of Education and UNICEF.
• Welcome Notes A response to the humanitarian crisis of displacement across Europe, bringing music and creativity to refugee camps and centers through inclusive music workshops and music leadership training.
• Music Leadership Training A methodology developed through 25 years of experience making music with people affected by conflict, offered as training courses for musicians, activists, and community leaders.
• Music Therapy Evidence-based therapeutic approach using music to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, implemented in Rwanda and Palestine partnerships.
• art27 A global platform for artists, arts educators and arts organizations working with refugees and asylum seekers, championing art, creativity, and culture to improve wellbeing of vulnerable people.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 700 music leaders trained from 55+ countries since 2015
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Global Vision for AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Full partnership launched in 2024 as a partner program between Musicians Without Borders and Congolese NGO Global Vision for Africa for Kivu Youth Music program.
• Music as Therapy InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2021Partnership for Music as Therapy Blended Learning Course, including online learning, onsite training weekends, and practical work with young children with disabilities. Training offered in Palestine and Jordan.
• Community Arts NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Global network of 284 organizations in 57 countries founded in 2021 by Porticus Foundation and Hilti Foundation, focusing on enabling individuals and communities through arts.
• Clash! Exchange & LearningminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 June 2018Youth exchange organization hosting cultural exchanges with artists in Berlin for Music Connects program participants.
• art27coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2017Global platform co-founded in 2017 for artists, arts educators and organizations working with refugees and asylum seekers, collaborating with over 50 partner organizations worldwide.
• UNICEF El SalvadorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Co-founding partner of Soy Música program, working to foster peaceful coexistence through arts and music within the national school system.
• Ministry of Education El SalvadorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Government partner for Soy Música program, integrating music leadership methodology into national school curriculum.
• Armonia CuscatlecacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership since 2017 with Armonia Cuscatleca founded by Pablo Méndez Granadino, supporting music education for children and youth in San Pedro Perulapán, El Salvador.
• Music as Therapy InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partnership since 2015 for Music as Therapy training in Palestine, training Palestinian musicians and social workers in techniques and theory for supporting developmental needs of children.
• Pavarotti Music CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Joint initiative partner with Mostar Rock School, founded with founders of Mostar Blues & Rock Festival.
• WE-ACTx for HopecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Partnership with Rwandan healthcare organization supporting establishment of music therapy programs for young people living with HIV since 2013.
• Fontys RockacademiecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Long-term partnership providing teacher training, capacity building, and band coaching methodology for Rock School programs in the Western Balkans since 2008.
• Ghirass Cultural CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Ghirass Cultural Center in Bethlehem providing music activities for children in Palestine, with strong focus on gender equality and heritage. The Center is affiliated with Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation.
• Balkan Trafik FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFestival venue for performances by genre-bending bands from participating Rock Schools in Brussels.
• Caritas BiHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership bringing music and creativity to refugee camps and centers across Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on inclusive music workshops for children, youth, families, and vulnerable adults.
• University of RwandaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership leading to development of Music & Health training course for music students.
• University of South Wales and University of the West of EnglandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelping recruit music therapy students and graduates to continue music therapy work in Rwanda.
• Harmony ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInspiration source for Armonia Cuscatleca founder Pablo Méndez Granadino who taught music at Harmony Project in Los Angeles before starting the program.
• IUCN NLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Music of the Landscape project pioneering new musical responses to climate change impacts in DR Congo.
• FESCO (Federation of Scouts)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner in Music of the Landscape project mobilizing music leadership and cultural connections to nature for youth climate resilience.
• Delia-Ndaro Cultural CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner in Music of the Landscape project for youth climate resilience in DR Congo.
• Keep A Child AliveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast program partner for Community Music for Community Health in Uganda (2016-2017).
• Alive Medical ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast program partner for Community Music for Community Health in Uganda, using music to support young people living with HIV.
• Mostar Blues & Rock FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founders of Mostar Rock School initiative.
• Cultúrlann Uí ChanáinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIrish arts and culture center in Derry/Londonderry for Music Bridge project in Northern Ireland.
• Snaga ŽeneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPast partner for From Woman to Woman project offering emergency help and psychosocial support to women in Tuzla-Srebrenica region.
• Superar EUminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Welcome Notes program in Europe.
• Landesmusikakademie NRWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Community Music Training courses in Heek, Germany, with IN.DI.E Musik project.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves17 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Children in Harmony: US-based nonprofit using music to bridge divides between Israeli and Palestinian youth through choirs and songwriting. Overlaps MWB's approach of music as a peacebuilding tool for divided youth.
• Playing for Change Foundation: Global nonprofit using music to inspire and connect communities, including programs for children in conflict and poverty contexts. Closely comparable mission and delivery model to Musicians Without Borders.
• El Sistema: Venezuelan-origin network of music education programs for underprivileged youth that has inspired global affiliates. Shares the model of intensive music instruction as a vehicle for social transformation.
• Together for Music: Nonprofit that brings musicians and students together across cultural and political divides in Israel and the Palestinian territories, directly overlapping MWB's inter-ethnic music-making mission.
• Music in Detention: UK charity delivering music workshops in immigration removal centers and refugee settings. Directly comparable music-and-refugees programming, though geographically focused on the UK.
• SongRise: Nonprofit organizing intercultural choral projects for refugee and immigrant integration in Europe. Shares the focus on choirs and ensemble music-making with displaced populations that MWB also targets.

Regional players

• Ghetto Classics: Kenyan music program providing orchestral training to children from under-served urban communities in East Africa. Comparable methodology of using ensemble music education for social uplift in an African geography served by MWB.
• Afghanistan Music Research Centre: Nonprofit preserving and teaching music in Afghanistan and among Afghan refugee communities. Adjacent to MWB's mission of music for communities affected by conflict, with a more regionally specific scope.

Emerging players

• Brighter Sound: UK charity supporting music-making projects with marginalized communities and young people. Partial overlap with MWB's community music and training activities, though with a primarily UK focus.

Broad incumbents

• Carnegie Hall Musical Connections: Program from Carnegie Hall using music performance and songwriting with populations in carceral, healthcare, and community settings. Broader institutional platform pursuing similar social-impact outcomes through music.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Musicians Without Borders