We recently connected with Bryce Hansen and have shared our conversation below.
Bryce, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
During my youth, I was never the fastest or the physically strongest. In fact, I was much slower than the rest of the class. When we got a break for lunch, all my friends would gather to play football on the field. Logically, when we chose teams, I was always the last to be picked. It never got me down; I understood and always tried my hardest with every play. In gym class, we were required to run the mile weekly, and I was always last to finish, sometimes even by double the amount of time from the kid before me. My gym teacher, Mrs. Wilson, the supervisors, along with a few of my family members, all assumed it was because I was overweight or lazy, and that I would eventually grow out of it. I dreaded the mile and would always look forward to the days we could play team sports like football. As the weeks passed, Mrs. Wilson found my mile times were worsening rather than improving. She recommended to my parents that I go and see a doctor for my constant fatiguing and pain during the mile run, so we did.
My primary care doctor had a suspicion due to the high arches in my feet, that I had a disease known as “Charcot Marie Tooth,” or “CMT” for short. CMT is a degenerative neurological disease that damages the nerves mainly in the arms and legs. He recommended me to a specialist named Dr. Rosenfelt, who diagnosed me at the age of 11 with CMT and suggested surgery to help prohibit the rapidly growing arches in my feet. The surgery would rearrange the “Extensor Digitorum Longus Tendon” by drilling a hole directly through and attaching the tendon to the bottom of my foot. With my silly 12-year-old brain, I believed I would get the surgery and then everything would be okay. Not the case. I remember waking up to the doctor and my mother who had been by my side for hours. The doctor told me that I had to start physical therapy immediately. Terrified, I plopped my legs over the side of the bed, pushed off, and collapsed. I had to completely retrain my legs to work. The pain was unbearable. My balance was nonexistent; I had little “Bambi legs.”
After 6 weeks of physical therapy, the initial pain of standing up was depleted, and I could finally walk without tripping myself. Although I still had casts on both of my feet, I was ready to get back into my love of football. I waddled down the field during lunch. My friends were excited that I was back and I got picked first. About 5 minutes in, the defense left me wide open and my buddy Mathew threw me the ball for a touchdown. I never ran faster in my life. My feet were in pain afterward, but it didn’t bother me at the time. The campus supervisor came up to us during one of our plays and told me that I was not allowed to play due to my condition. I said, “Is that why I just scored a touchdown?” I assured her that I was fine to play but she wouldn’t budge and escorted me off the field. Now I didn’t like that. My disappointment was immeasurable. I persisted to sneak onto the field and play. Getting kicked off over and over again until the supervisor had to resort to telling my friends, “Bryce is prohibited from playing, and if you continue to let him play, you all will be banned from the field as well.” That was the last time I stepped on that field.
I accepted my condition and gave up on football. I looked for new friends to hang out with during lunch but mostly spent the time alone. During P.E., Mrs. Wilson had me walk around the track while the rest of the kids were off having fun; I felt isolated. Eventually, I started hanging out with some of the “gamer kids.” As the years passed, most of my social contact was done through gaming and the internet. I noticed my hands were fatiguing and the carpal tunnel was increasing. Eventually, I lost most of the range of motion in my thumbs, and my friends didn’t want to play with me anymore, so I quit. I became depressed, anxious, and frustrated.
We had a mandatory band program at our school where I was assigned clarinet. Not knowing much about clarinet or music in general, I found a sense of pleasure that I couldn’t quite describe. There were over 30 kids in my class all playing around 6 different instruments and only one instructor. When our class was struggling with learning certain notes or finger positions, we would raise our hand but due to the lack of funding for instructors, the teacher would almost never get around to answering our questions. While attempting to figure out the instrument on my own, I slowly fell behind the rest of the class. We had to perform at the end of the year in a dusty old gym room where I pretended to blow and pressed random holes making it appear as if I was playing. There is importance in being able to synchronize melodies with your peers, but not if half the class is not responding due to the lack of attention. A fun fact that I love is when a choir sings in harmony, their hearts beat in sync, a sense of community I did not feel while in school.
I was introduced to guitar through local instruction, with the intent to break out of my funk. Struggling with the mind-muscle connection in my hands, the instructor was unmotivating, tough, and frustrated with me and did not believe I was capable. The negative energy was reflected in my brain. It was too difficult at the time despite my love for music and creativity, and once again, I gave up. I isolated myself some more from reality with no real aspirations and wallowed in my own self-pity. I never really found anyone like me, who I could relate to. My anxiety continued to grow as everyone I surrounded myself with was skilled with abilities that I felt were out of my control. Everyone my entire life has always doubted me, been frustrated with me, separated me from the norm, I would get in my own head and believe it to be true. I became weaker and let my disability define me and my actions.
Scared with no heading, I woke up one day and waddled out to the living room for breakfast and was surprised to see a massive wooden figure in the corner of the living room, it was a baby grand piano. I sat down on the bench with a smile on my face and just stared at the dusty old wooden piece of junk for what felt like an eternity. I pressed one of the keys and heard its beauty, felt the vibrations resonate through my bones. It was out of tune and beaten down but I didn’t know better. I played every day, figuring out which keys sound good together and which ones to avoid. Over and over I would play the same melodies attempting to perfect the craft, figuring out different combinations, making different sounds. When my fingers refused to work, my vicious tenacity persevered past my disability. I discovered love and discipline. My anxiety had completely been released, a blissful outlet in something so simple but with endless possibilities.
At one point I was stuck not knowing how or where to proceed with my playing, I sought out help. My mother used to work with a music school local to me in Dana Point, “Danman’s Music”. Entering the store felt magical, warm, inviting. They set me up with an instructor, Sye Sharp, who is currently working with Arts For All, he showed me scales and improvisation. The lessons were fun, inspiring, and informative, tailored exactly to my needs. I became more confident in myself not only while playing the little piano I knew, but all around. Believing that I can do anything, I started working out 3 days a week, which turned into 7. At the local gym, I met Iron Issa, my dear friend and the biggest guy I’ve ever seen. His first words to me were “Hey, I see you really pushing yourself in here and your shoulders are massive.” I reply “thanks man, that means a lot!” He then states “your arms are tiny though.” All that came out was “ahh, ok.” He said “that’s ok, meet me here at the same time tomorrow and I’ll help you train the proper way.” I informed him about my condition and he designed a specific workout routine for me with equipment best suited for my disability. I broke the cycle of self-defeat and found myself happy and with a mission, “to be better than who I was yesterday.” This all stemmed from a single note of the piano. Every time I played the simplest of melodies, the regrets of my past vanished and the anxiety of what comes in the future did not matter, only here and now, peace. It was a prescription, a meditative state of being. Music didn’t just give me a creative outlet, music saved my life
I came across an article online by Jeannine Flores that stunned me, stating “89% of California schools do not provide visual/media arts, dance, theater, and music classes mandated by law.” It dawned on me, “how can I help others find what I found, how can I break others from their own self-defeat and show them they are capable?” How can I show them that Arts are For All?
At the age of 22 the idea struck me, “Arts For All.” A nonprofit organization “aiming to create positive change in our communities by empowering disadvantaged youth with access to professional music instruction.” I proceeded to reach out to family and friends, gathering as much knowledge as possible about running an organization. October 24th, 2022 we acquired our 501(c3) and began to build a community through local businesses, arts council members, schools, churches, anyone, and everyone. I studied successful Arts & Culture grants then proceeded to write, we got declined for most but the ones we won were a major victory for our students.
November 24th, 2022 we decided to do most of our lessons through Danman’s Music. Their staff are not only incredibly professional but also have the ability to tailor each lesson curriculum to match each student while providing fun and encouragement. It is an experience no other music program or school provides. Thanks to Dan Lefler, Arts For All students receive a discounted rate through their store. Making it easier to cycle through more students and lessons with the funding that we acquire. The kids receive candies and prizes for their hard work to incentivize them to continue practicing while supplying a positive environment.
December 13th, 2023 we decided to add onto our program through a local restaurant Stillwater Spirits & Sounds. They graciously allow our students the opportunity to perform live on stage through our recital program. The kids play the songs they have been learning for or with their teachers, family, friends, and other students in a safe social environment. It helps our kids think under pressure and break social anxieties.
We currently have a family of 7, 3 of them suffer from disabilities and are enrolled in our lesson program. They all have been learning different instruments and have formed their own family band that performs at our recital program. The mother of the family stated: “The joy of your lessons enriched our family-life, the kids talked all week long with anticipation for their next session. It has been a blessing in our lives and we thank you for the work that you do.”
We found through our studies that 20 lessons is right around where our students can start playing the instrument of their choice proficiently. Starting January 1st, 2023 I made the goal to acquire the funding to supply 100 new students with a 20-week program that only we can fulfill. At the end of the program, they would get the opportunity to perform at one of our concerts. We call it “Spread The Music Initiative.” Due to our most recent start, we have only been able to acquire the funding for a small portion of our goal but traction is growing and we are further spreading our mission with each counting day. We have the connections to acquire or teach every instrument aside from bagpipes. The only thing we need is funding… and a bagpipe teacher. My disability might be physical, but for our kids, it’s financial.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Arts For All is deeply committed to enriching children’s lives through personalized music education, particularly targeting those with disabilities or from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Our tailored one-on-one sessions cover all instrument types and skill levels, carefully adapted to meet each student’s unique needs. Our founder, Bryce Hansen, draws on his own experiences with disability to ensure the curricula maximize the therapeutic impact of music.
A distinctive aspect of our approach is our community involvement. We organize student recitals at local venues like Stillwater Spirits & Sounds, providing students with both confidence-building opportunities and practical performance experience. These events also support local businesses and foster community connections.
In 2024, we are excited to focus on “The $98 Club,” a special initiative that allows donors to sponsor weekly music lessons for a student—much like adopting a child musically. Each $98 monthly contribution directly supports one student’s ongoing music education. This ensures that every dollar raised is allocated to paying music teachers, covering studio space at local music schools, maintaining instruments with professional repair technicians, and hiring sound technicians for our student recitals.
“The $98 Club” not only benefits our students but also supports local small businesses and musicians, helping to sustain a vibrant, supportive ecosystem that amplifies our mission. We also advocate for increased arts education, raising awareness about the significant shortfall in mandated arts education in California—where 89% of schools do not meet state arts education requirements. This advocacy highlights the crucial role of music education in promoting cognitive and emotional development among youth.
At Arts For All, we ensure that 100% of funding is meticulously managed and fully reinvested into our mission, with no salaries paid to board members, affirming our commitment to transparency and accountability.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey with Arts For All, I believe that three fundamental qualities shaped my path and success: integrity, resilience, and determination. These align closely with the principles from the book “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, which profoundly influenced my approach to both personal and professional challenges.
Integrity (Be Impeccable with Your Word): The first agreement, being impeccable with your word, taught me the importance of speaking with honesty and clarity. In the context of running a nonprofit, this means transparent communication with our donors, partners, and the communities we serve. It’s about making promises you can keep and expressing your mission in a way that is both truthful and motivating. For anyone starting their journey, remember that your word forms the foundation of trust with every stakeholder.
Resilience (Don’t Take Anything Personally): In the nonprofit world, setbacks and rejections are frequent, but learning not to take things personally has allowed me to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This agreement helps maintain focus on our mission rather than getting sidetracked by temporary defeats or criticisms. For those early in their journey, developing a thick skin and focusing on your long-term goals will help you navigate the inevitable ups and downs with greater ease.
Determination (Always Do Your Best): The final agreement, always doing your best, has been crucial. In the nonprofit sector, resources can be limited and demands high, so giving your best ensures that you utilize every opportunity to its fullest potential. This means being diligent, passionately advocating for your cause, and continuously striving to improve and expand your impact. I advise newcomers to commit fully to their vision, as consistent effort creates momentum and opens doors to new possibilities.
Incorporating these qualities not only aids in professional endeavors but also enriches personal development, creating a balanced and fulfilling approach to tackling both challenges and opportunities. As you forge your path, embracing these principles will empower you to build a meaningful and impactful career.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At Arts For All, we are always eager to collaborate with individuals and organizations passionate about making a difference through music. We are particularly looking for partners who can help us sustain and expand our programs through funding, volunteering, or providing resources.
Marco’s Story – A Call to Action:
Meet Marco, a young guitar prodigy whose story is both inspiring and a call to action. At just four years old, Marco’s guitar skills surpass those of seasoned adults. He is a local sensation, known for his extraordinary musical talent. Unfortunately, Marco’s musical journey is at risk due to financial constraints. This is where you can make a transformative difference.
For only $98 a month, you can ensure that Marco and twenty other children like him can continue to pursue their dreams. Your support can prevent their progress from coming to a standstill and keep their aspirations alive.
Join Us in Making a Difference:
If you are moved by Marco’s story and wish to support, or if you have expertise, resources, or simply a desire to learn more about how you can contribute, please reach out directly. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or sharing our mission, every bit of support counts.
Contact Information:
Bryce Hansen
CEO, Arts For All
EIN: 92-0837042
24699 Del Prado Dana Point, CA 92629
(949)-887-1694
bryce@artsforall-ca.org
artsforall-ca.org
We appreciate your time and consideration in helping us shape the future of music education. Together, we can ensure that no child’s musical potential is left unexplored due to financial barriers.
Sincerely,
Bryce Hansen
CEO & Founder, Arts For All
Contact Info:
- Website: artsforall-ca.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arts.for.all.foundation/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Arts-for-All/100088008263978/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-hansen-135065259/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH53tGOw662j9WxLbe48inA
- Other: bryce@artsforall-ca.org
