FREEHOLD — An organization that wants to provide guitars to young musicians is striking the right note.
Karen High, who founded The Project Matters, seeks to further the creation of music, with an emphasis on aspiring musicians age 21 and younger.
High told her story in a recent Greater Media Newspapers article, and since then The Project Matters has received a number of donations for its “Guitar Days” campaign.
Now, High is seeking young musicians who can put those guitars to good use.
“We want to match the guitars that have been donated to The Project Matters with recipients who are well suited to the instrument,” she said.
High and her husband, Bill, lost their son Benjamin, 19, in 2007. The couple are honoring the memory of their son, who died from a heart condition, by taking Benjamin’s love of music and helping young people achieve their musical dreams.
Since its inception in 2010, The Project Matters has supported bands crossing the genres of indie rock, pop, Americana and stadium rock.
Fundraising has allowed the organization to provide artists with instruments, instrument repair, studio time and other assistance, according to High.
High said that since Greater Media Newspapers reported on The Project Matters in February, a Howell “gentleman” in his 80s decided that the two guitars he owned needed a home where they would be played regularly. He donated an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, a keyboard, an amp and a ukulele.
She said a Jackson musician donated a bass guitar and an electric guitar.
“Both guitars are left-handed and are very unique and will really help a young musician,” High said.
She said a Millstone Township resident donated an acoustic guitar.
Two guitars were previously donated to The Project Matters by Sean Hurwitz of the band Smash Mouth.
The Project Matters is planning a beer tasting fundraiser to be held at the Belmar Arts Council, 608 River Road, Belmar, on a date to be determined. High said Chris Krebs, who is the arts council’s live music coordinator, has partnered with the organization.
“I heard about Karen’s nonprofit which seemed to be touching a lot of young, upcoming musicians, including artists we are working with at the arts council,” Krebs said. “I am just so fond of what they are doing at The Project Matters. They have a unique little niche, and these young artists benefit greatly from Karen in so many areas. … She is just so generous and she is a wonderful person.”
Young musicians who are interested in applying for a guitar may contact Karen High at [email protected].