Las Vegas Music Nonprofit Gets $5K for Veterans, At-Risk Youth

A backstage guitar lesson in 2016 sparked a decade-long mission to bring music education to those who need it most.

Brothers Adrian and Ryan Patrick founded Life By Music after hosting 12 kids from a Las Vegas Boys and Girls Club at a concert. The kids learned basic guitar chords, created art, and shared a meal with the band. That single afternoon inspired the Patrick brothers to remove barriers to music education across Las Vegas.

Now, Life By Music has received a $5,000 grant through Nexstar Media Group's "30 Days of Giving" campaign. The company is celebrating its 30th anniversary by distributing $300,000 to 60 charitable organizations across the country throughout June.

Local news station KLAS-TV 8 News Now nominated the nonprofit after witnessing its impact firsthand. Producer Annie Dalbis praised the organization's dedication to making a real difference in Las Vegas.

Life By Music focuses on three key groups: students, at-risk youth, and military veterans. Over the past 10 years, they've donated more than 700 instruments and visited over 75 classrooms. Nearly 4,000 children have participated in their specialized music education programs, alongside more than 100 veterans.

The selection process was employee-driven. Nexstar's 13,000 employees submitted nominations, and locally-led committees reviewed each one. The Nexstar Charitable Foundation's Board of Directors made the final selections, awarding two $5,000 grants each day during June.

The Ripple Effect

Music education creates opportunities that extend far beyond learning an instrument. Studies show that kids involved in music programs perform better academically, develop stronger social skills, and build confidence that carries into adulthood. For veterans, music therapy offers a creative outlet for processing experiences and connecting with community.

Life By Music removes the financial barrier that keeps many families from accessing these benefits. By putting instruments directly into hands that might never hold one otherwise, they're opening doors to careers, hobbies, and healing.

The $5,000 grant will help Life By Music continue expanding its reach across the Las Vegas valley, ensuring more students and veterans discover the transformative power of making music.