We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bryce Hansen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bryce below.

Bryce, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disease Charcot Marie Tooth. I underwent my first surgery when I was 12 and had to completely retrain myself how to walk. With two large blue casts on my legs, I became isolated by the school system. I was not allowed to play football at lunch, walked the track alone during gym class, and was forced into IEP classes despite my disability being physical. In music class, I required extra help for my dysfunctional hands, but there was only one instructor for over 30 kids learning six different instruments, so I learned nothing. I also had a guitar instructor who told me it was not possible to play with the condition of my hands.

I gave up on myself and let my disability define me and my actions. Eventually, I stumbled across the piano and began playing on my own by ear. Practicing every day, I found not only my hands strengthening but my mind as well. I inquired about private lessons at a local music school, and they tailored the lessons to my needs. I got a job at the music school.

One day, a family was inquiring about bass lessons for their son, who had a disability similar to mine. They were unsure of their son’s capabilities and did not have the means for private lessons. A week later, it dawned on me: how do I show them their son is capable? How do I help them afford private lessons? How do I let the world know that Arts are For All?

Bryce, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey with music began as a form of therapy that helped me, Bryce Hansen, overcome personal challenges. This profound impact inspired me to found Arts For All. We partner with local music schools and small businesses to offer tailored private music lessons, especially to families in need. Our program is designed to ensure every student not only learns but thrives—each receiving 20 one-on-one sessions tailored to their unique needs.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We offer comprehensive music instruction and ensure our students have opportunities to showcase their talents through community recitals, helping them build confidence and break social anxieties.

We are most proud of the positive impact we’ve made, both in nurturing young talent and supporting local businesses. Through our partnerships, we’ve created a seamless, pre-built program that only needs funding to reach even more students. For us, Arts For All is not just about teaching music; it’s about fostering a supportive community and empowering youth through the arts.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Building the foundation for Arts For All was both a challenge and a journey filled with unexpected turns and incredible support from our community. At the start, finding the right people was a struggle, but once we connected with individuals who shared our passion, everything began to fall into place. These dedicated supporters didn’t just fund one student—they committed to multiple students each month, driven by our mission.

We did everything we could to raise funds—from selling merchandise at local street fairs to hosting elaborate galas. One of the most memorable events was a gala at the White House, which was featured on the reality show The New OC. It was a night filled with drama, but it ended up being a huge success for our fundraising efforts. I even shared my founder’s story, fencing tales, and all, which resonated deeply with the donors.

Every step we took, no matter how unconventional, was done with our students in mind. We knew that with the right support, we could provide life-changing opportunities through music education. This journey, though challenging, has been one of the most rewarding experiences, and we continue to push forward, fueled by the belief that every child deserves access to the arts.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team of musicians is a unique and dynamic challenge, but also incredibly rewarding. These creative individuals often have schedules that resemble the life of rockstars, gigging around town and embracing their art. Keeping morale high requires making them feel like the center of the universe, showing them how vital they are to the success of Arts For All.

For our organization, having the right team is crucial. Teachers need to be able to tailor the curriculum to each student’s needs, and this flexibility is key to what makes our programs successful. However, musicians can sometimes be unpredictable—they might show up late or call out last minute. To manage this, you have to make them believe in the mission and their importance in it.

When working with musicians, it’s essential to communicate that you have their best interests at heart. If you need them to adjust their approach, you must guide them to think it’s their idea. It’s about nurturing their creativity while ensuring they adhere to the guidelines. They are incredible people, and by managing them with care, understanding, and respect, you can build a team that’s not only talented but also deeply committed to the cause.

This approach has allowed us to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and ready to contribute their best. Every person on the team needs to know they’re part of something bigger, and when they believe in the mission, they’re unstoppable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artsforall-ca.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arts.for.all.foundation/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/96587823/admin/inbox/thread/2-ZjQwZTNiNGUtNmM5Ny00Mzk0LTg3NTAtNTlmODFlOThlYjYyXzAxMA==/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artsforallnonprofit