Start a chapter

Bring Music & Light
to your school.

Start a student-led chapter that brings live music, conversation, and connection to older adults in your community.

You do not need to be the most accomplished musician at your school. You need to be someone willing to bring people together, follow through, and turn an idea into something that matters.

If you can build a small team, organize a performance, and create a moment of genuine connection, we will help you take it from there.

What you'll build

Create and lead a chapter at your high school or college.

Recruit student musicians and volunteers
Build relationships with nearby retirement communities and senior living facilities
Organize recurring live-music visits
Create a welcoming and respectful experience for residents
Develop younger leaders who can continue the chapter after you graduate

A chapter does not need to begin with dozens of members or a perfect performance. It begins with one committed leader, a few students, and the willingness to show up.

Who we're looking for

Not always the loudest person in the room.

The strongest chapter leaders are students who:

Care deeply about music, service, or building community
Take responsibility and follow through on commitments
Are willing to recruit and lead a small team
Communicate professionally with students, school administrators, and senior communities
Want to build something that can continue beyond their own involvement

Musical experience is valuable, but it is not required. A strong organizer can build an outstanding chapter by bringing the right musicians and volunteers together.

What we provide

You will not be starting alone.

We provide the structure. You bring the leadership and local relationships that make the chapter real.

A step-by-step chapter launch guide
Outreach templates for recruiting members and contacting senior communities
Performance and visit-planning resources
Brand materials and promotional templates
Guidance on building your leadership team
Ongoing support from the Music & Light team
Opportunities to learn from other chapter leaders

The commitment

Lasting relationships, not one-time events.

You do not need to have everything figured out before applying. We are looking for seriousness, initiative, and the willingness to learn.

Chapter leaders should be prepared to:

Build an initial leadership team
Identify a faculty or staff adviser when required by their school
Complete the Music & Light chapter-launch process
Organize recurring visits throughout the school year
Communicate regularly with the Music & Light team
Prepare another student to eventually continue the chapter

Apply to start a chapter

Tell us about yourself, your school, and your vision.

We review every application personally. Selected applicants will be invited to a brief 10–15 minute conversation with our team to discuss their school, their vision, and the next steps for launching a chapter.

About you

Full nameEmail address

Phone numberSchool name

School city and stateCurrent grade or year

Expected graduation year

Your interestWhy do you want to start a Music & Light chapter at your school?Tell us what draws you to the mission and why this opportunity matters to you.Describe one experience with music, service, or an older adult that has stayed with you.This does not need to be a dramatic story. We want to understand what shaped your interest.What leadership, service, musical, or organizational experience would help you build this chapter?Formal titles are not required. Tell us what you have done and what you learned.

Your chapterWho could you recruit to help launch the chapter?You do not need a completed team. Tell us about the musicians, friends, clubs, teachers, or communities you could approach.Does your school require a faculty or staff adviser for student organizations?How would you approach finding a retirement community or senior living partner near your school?What would make your chapter successful one year from now?Are you prepared to participate in a 10–15 minute introductory call if selected?Anything else you would like us to know?Optional.

AgreementBy submitting this application, I understand that starting a Music & Light chapter requires consistent communication, responsible leadership, and respect for the older adults, students, schools, and community partners involved.