One Music Class Can Change a Child’s Future: Josh Groban’s Mission Through the Find Your Light Foundation
When people think of Josh Groban, they often picture the Grammy-nominated singer with the soaring voice that has filled arenas around the world. Yet beyond the spotlight, Groban has quietly built something perhaps even more enduring than his chart-topping albums: a foundation dedicated to the belief that a single music class can alter the trajectory of a child’s life.
Founded in 2011, the Find Your Light Foundation grew out of Groban’s conviction that access to arts education is not a luxury but a necessity. In an era when school budgets are trimmed and arts programs are among the first to disappear, he saw an urgent need. For Groban, music had never been just about notes and melodies; it was about confidence, community, and opportunity. And he wanted to ensure that every child—no matter their zip code—had the chance to discover that for themselves.
Building Pathways Through the Arts
Since its inception, Find Your Light has supported nearly 200 arts programs across 33 states in the U.S. The numbers are impressive, but the real impact comes alive in the stories of children whose lives have been reshaped.
In Cleveland, a public school music program faced closure due to funding cuts. With help from the foundation, the school was able to purchase instruments, hire part-time instructors, and keep rehearsals alive. Today, enrollment in the program has doubled, and teachers report higher attendance across all classes—not just music.
In Los Angeles, a community choir funded by Find Your Light became a safe haven for middle school students navigating difficult family situations. Singing together offered them stability and friendship, and several participants have since pursued college degrees in music education.
The Ripple Effect
Groban is the first to emphasize that the arts are not simply about producing professional musicians. “Not every child who picks up a violin or stands on stage will make a career out of it,” he often says. “But every child deserves the chance to discover what they’re capable of.”
That discovery creates ripple effects. Students in arts programs supported by the foundation show measurable gains in confidence and collaboration. Parents describe seeing their children come alive in ways they never expected—more willing to speak in class, more motivated to attend school, and more open to envisioning futures beyond their immediate surroundings.
Communities, too, feel the change. When local arts programs thrive, neighborhoods often see increased civic pride, more public performances, and stronger community ties. A marching band in a small town parade, a mural painted by local students, or a youth theater group putting on its first show—all of these foster belonging and optimism.
Stories That Stay With You
Groban frequently visits the programs his foundation supports, and those encounters have shaped his mission. In one instance, a shy 10-year-old boy approached him after a music workshop. The boy’s school counselor had described him as withdrawn, rarely speaking above a whisper. But after two months of choir practice funded by Find Your Light, he sang a solo in front of his classmates. “It wasn’t perfect pitch,” Groban recalls with a smile, “but it was perfect courage.”
In another city, a teenage girl told Groban that joining a school drama program rescued her from dropping out entirely. Through theater, she discovered a sense of discipline, teamwork, and self-worth. Today, she’s studying social work at a state university, determined to help other young people find their voice.
Beyond Philanthropy: A Cultural Statement
The Find Your Light Foundation also advocates at the national level, raising awareness about the importance of arts in education. Groban has spoken before Congress about the long-term benefits of arts access, citing research that links arts participation with higher test scores, improved graduation rates, and stronger emotional health.
His approach is not just charity; it is a cultural statement. In Groban’s view, cutting arts education is short-sighted because it overlooks the role of creativity in innovation, problem-solving, and empathy—all skills that shape future leaders. By supporting arts programs, the foundation is helping plant seeds of resilience and imagination in the next generation.
A Future Built on Creativity
Looking ahead, Groban and his team hope to expand Find Your Light to every U.S. state within the next decade. They envision partnerships not only with schools, but also with libraries, after-school programs, and community centers, ensuring that children have access to the arts regardless of where they live.
Technology is also on the horizon. The foundation is exploring ways to provide digital access to music education, including virtual choirs, online instrument tutorials, and mentorship programs connecting professional artists with students in underserved areas.
Why It Matters Now
The timing of Groban’s mission could not be more urgent. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools remain under strain, and extracurricular activities are often first on the chopping block. Meanwhile, children face heightened levels of stress, isolation, and uncertainty about their futures.
Arts education offers more than creative expression—it provides healing, resilience, and hope. A child who learns to play piano, dance in a troupe, or paint a mural is also learning patience, discipline, and the joy of collective creation. In Groban’s words, “The arts remind us of what it means to be human. And in times like these, that reminder is everything.”
The Invitation
Ultimately, Josh Groban’s work through the Find Your Light Foundation is a call to action. He invites communities, educators, parents, and fellow artists to recognize the transformative power of a single music class. For some children, it may be the first time they are told that their voice matters. For others, it may be the spark that leads them to college, a career, or simply a lifelong love of art.
Groban insists that the work is far from finished. But for every child who discovers courage through a song, every teen who finds belonging on a stage, and every community lifted by the sound of music, the mission is already changing futures.
Because sometimes, one class isn’t just a class. It’s a beginning.
