Music2Life

Founded by Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul & Mary), Music2Life (M2L) harnesses the power of music to make change through education & live events, new media and creative collaboration. A hybrid organization, M2L is both a traditional nonprofit and also a provider of direct, fee-based services to a wide range of organizations, reinvesting its revenue to fulfill its core mission. WHAT WE DO :: Music2Life works with music fans, artists, nonprofits and industry pros to produce immersive online and on-the-ground experiences that leverage music’s impact on social causes, build community around social causes and mobilize music consumers in new and synergistic ways. HOW WE DO IT:: When a song moves listeners emotionally around an issue—whether it’s a rap about clean energy or a rock anthem for human rights—it can build support for a cause or product like no other medium can. Music2Life is recognized as a “first mover” in this emerging commercial space of music for social good. With our strategic partners, Music2Life develops, tests and launches live and online products and services to make music for change an active (and effective) part of the global consciousness. We are a "hub" or think-tank of musical activism building global awareness of music for change and helping music consumers become a force for good. THREE CORE MISSION AREAS: LIVE/EDUCATIONAL EVENTS - MUSIC MATTERS, Stand Up & Sing, Songwriting contests. These packages feature artists of all genres and build exposure for causes at issue- and music-themed festivals, conferences, and with nonprofits and educational institutions. NEW MEDIA - SongSource is an interactive music-discovery tool and planned mobile app to let users search or add songs by cause, artist, genre or keyword. These tools will allow members of our broad multi-genre, multi-generation audience to form communities around a music style or cause (e.g., hip-hop fans for human rights) creating new, targeted markets for artists, producers, commercial businesses and nonprofits. CREATIVE COLLABORATION - Consulting work enables us to adapt our programs for companies and institutions, helping them strategically utilize music for change to target audience segments, further their mission and/or elicit desired consumer/citizen response. WHY WE DO IT :: Standing up for social change isn’t new. People have rallied to make the world a better place for centuries. Using music for a cause isn’t new. Music has always been at the heart of social-justice movements. What IS new is the unprecedented confluence of technology, consumer consciousness, online access and social activism, making this the most opportune time in history to effect positive change through music. Last year, seven of the 10 top U.S.-based music festivals promoted a social-change agenda. Nearly 70% of the 25 top-grossing concert series, in all genres, featured artists who stood up for causes or wrote songs about those causes. Of the 10 top digital music-selling artists, at least seven participated in social activism and released at least one song about social change. Within this context, Music2Life is well positioned to tap the social change music market, fully realize this music's potential, and effectively mobilize fans and artists for social good. WHO WE ARE :: Many talented people in the entertainment, education and nonprofit sectors are contributing to the growth and success of Music2Life. By working virtually, our team benefits from best-in-class resources across the U.S., without the prohibitive cost of a brick-and-mortar operation—so funds donated to Music2Life are always used efficiently. Meet the Music2Life Team: Elizabeth Stookey Sunde, Co-Founder, Executive Director
Liz draws on 20 years of experience in communication, organizational development and fundraising to guide the vision of Music2Life, co-founded with her father, Noel Paul Stookey. Her ability to navigate the business and policy issues affecting nonprofits helps the team stay focused on its mission—to support the use of music for social good. Liz manages the production of education programs, documentaries, national songwriting contests and entertainment-outreach events, including the current Music2Life road tour. Daniel Affeldt, Business Director
: In his 30-year career, Dan has enjoyed success in the corporate world and as an entrepreuneur, but it was as director of a well-known West Village music venue that he came to appreciate the power of music for social change. Now, as an independent business consultant, Dan applies his strategic expertise in marketing, business development and planning to a variety of projects, including the growth of Music2Life.
 
 Shane Verstegen, Technical Director: 
A new-media evangelist and technology developer, Shane operates Texas-based Acuity Solutions, serving clients across the U.S. The firm has designed and produced many interactive applications—including Shane’s own labor of love, Soul of the Song—and brings all of its considerable experience to the development, programming and hosting of our online music-discovery tool, website and multimedia programs.
 
 Ashley Pound, Content and Creative Director: 
A veteran editor and creative director, Ashley has worked with leading publishers and commercial businesses to develop, produce and promote lifestyle and entertainment magazines, web and social media content, and most recently, our new music-discovery tool. In addition to contributing to the strategic planning of Music2Life programs, Ashley creates our online content and event materials and manages our social media sites.