The sweet notes of a violin solo or the twang of an electric guitar can easily be dismissed as “just” music – something to listen to or to keep you entertained. But the Australian charity, Music: Play for Life, sees it differently.

Perhaps one of the most unique charities, Music: Play for Life focuses on the belief that music is much more powerful than most people think, and this power can be used to build and enrich people, and in turn, society. According to research, music can provide us with many benefits, from the spiritual to the physical. It is towards this goal that the organization works, that of making sure Australians pursue a journey in music and that people use music as a tool to move forward.

Music: Play for Life is a national campaign that covers all citizens of the country, primarily under the Music Council of Australia, which is Australia's biggest musical organization. This charity's programs include national school music initiatives to push for better music education in schools across the country, a nationwide week-long series of musical events held in public places to demonstrate how powerful music can be and national awards to recognize individuals and groups who have contributed greatly to this challenge.

Aside from these programs, Music: Play for Life gives out an annual “The Flame Awards for Music Education in Schools,” granted to Australian schools that have creative and innovative ways of integrating music into their educational system. They likewise have campaigns entitled “Music: Count Us In,” “Music in Communities Network,” “Making Music Being Well.” The organization's website even offers options for interested individuals to look for music teachers, music camps, school performance groups, other music groups, scholarships or funding for music courses or careers, plus a look at the many well-known Australian figures serving as ambassadors for the cause.

Music can be powerful and it can change lives, as long as we believe in what it can do!