Encore
Encore is a free program providing opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music.
WHAT WE DO
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EVENTS
From live performances to our Beyond the Soundboard virtual series (with sessions on songwriting, music therapy, how songs work, instrument care, and more) to special workshops, we organize online & in-person events throughout the year.
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LESSONS
We offer beginner to advanced guitar, ukulele, bass, and piano lessons online via zoom. Lessons will start at your level & go at your pace, based on your individual goals and objectives with music. You can also learn basic music theory, if interested.
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TRACKS
A unique experience where we facilitate professional songwriting, recording in our new studio, and releasing of a guardian’s original music. This opportunity to share their story helps them process emotions as well as offer a potential professional path forward with music.
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RETREATS
Led by a music therapist, these 3-day retreats offer guardians the opportunity to immerse in music together, providing a chance to reset through music & community in a peaceful environment with a group of peers.
Upcoming Events
Through our Tracks experience, we work with a guardian on professional songwriting, recording, and releasing their original music on our label, Guardian Revival Records.
Tracks Process
Guardian develops music plan with our team
Vocal and/or instrument lessons
Recording sessions with professionals in our custom studio
Music released on our label: Guardian Revival Records
Our current roster of talented artists includes singer-songwriters and bands whose distinctive sounds will take you from the Deep South to the West Coast — and beyond:
Marc Hansen
First solo album: True Believer
Colton Cori
Single: Trains
Album: Somewhere Near Wasco
Leif Helvic
Single: I Want to Know
Dave Casale
Single: What’s Her Deal
Guardian Revival Records
Guardian Revival Records is available on all major streaming platforms.
As we continue to release new music, listeners will hear the range of sounds and lyrics that reflect the passion and experiences of our guardian community. We are proud to share their stories and songs with you. Thank you for listening.
Music Lessons
We offer professional lessons online — beginner to advanced, for guitar, ukulele, bass, or piano — at no cost to guardians.
Lessons take place via zoom so they're available no matter where you're located!
Encore Program Director, Matt Sorena, who has over 20 years of music experience. With a Masters in Music Therapy and a Bachelors in Music, he is proficient in teaching guitar, ukulele, bass, piano, and rhythmic instruments.
Sami Freeman, singer, pianist and composer based out of San Francisco, also teaches piano lessons to guardians. Sami has scored a documentary and several short films premiering at film festivals, and she owns a custom music and licensing business.
We start at your level & go at your pace, based on your individual goals and objectives with music. You can also learn basic music theory, if interested.
Join Encore to learn more and sign up for lessons!
Impact & Metrics
Encore empowers veterans, active duty military, and first responders through music and enables them to pursue their creative goals by providing opportunities for them to make and record music together.
70+ years of research and focused studies show the beneficial effects of music:
Increases emotional expression & processing - Reduces anxiety & depression - Rehabilitates neural pathways in the brain - Fosters meaningful relationships & community
“Guardian Jams are the best part of my week. My mind gets to check out for a bit, and I get to just focus on the music with others like me who are passionate about the same thing.”
“Jams is a space where I can focus on music, through discussion, listening, and playing music. It is a time of temporary pause on the day to day chaos that life presents.”
Help our guardians
make their music
Make a donation today to support our creative opportunities for military and first responders to experience the healing power of music.
Everything we offer is provided free of charge to our guardians so your contribution truly makes a difference!
Support
All our programs are provided free of cost to guardians, so the support of donations, volunteers, and sponsorships make it all possible.
Please contact us to discuss potential sponsorship options or in-kind donations, including used musical instruments: hello@guardianrevival.org
We can also help you set up an easy-to-use fundraising page, so you can collectively support a donation or sponsorship package with family, friends, or coworkers.
Meet the Encore Team
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Matt Sorena
PROGRAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Luc Aussavis
OPERATIONS MANAGER
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David Stagno
MUSIC SPECIALIST
Keep in Touch
Follow us on Instagram: @guardianencore
Play Music with us
Encore welcomes first responders, veterans, and active duty military interested in music. Whether you have never picked up an instrument or have been playing for years, we’re excited to have you join us.