Music Helps is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, focused on using the healing and enrichment power of music to support individuals and communities, especially children who have experienced trauma. Our mission is to offer outreach programs that harness music’s emotional and creative benefits while also supporting local musicians and women in the industry.

One of Music Helps’ central programs, Music Helps Trauma, partners with Helping Hand Home, a residential home for children coping with severe trauma. Through this collaboration, local Austin musicians perform monthly concerts for the children and staff, providing live music designed to inspire, enrich, and uplift. In addition to concerts, the program offers a six-week creative mentoring curriculum tailored to the individual needs of each child, including lessons in instruments, songwriting, vocals, and movement, all intended to foster trust, creativity, and emotional healing. Local musicians are also engaged as mentors and paid partners in delivering the program, strengthening community involvement.

Music Helps also runs other outreach efforts aimed at empowering women in the music industry, nurturing female artists through artistic development and career mentorship. Overall, the organization strives to bring the transformative effects of music into healing, personal growth, and community support, particularly for children affected by trauma.

FOUNDERS:
Andrea Magee - VISIONARY

Andrea is an established, Belfast- born artist who has been living and sharing her gift of music in the Austin community for the past 9 years.


Kathryn J. Kotrla, M.D. - Co-Founder and Board President

Dr. Kotrla is a psychiatrist specializing in the neuroscience of trauma and recovery. She has decades of executive leadership in academic medicine and organizational development, including founding national, state, and local collaborations to support veterans and their families, and building a medical school.

Music Helps

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Music Helps

Org chart

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