Music
Motivates
Meaning.
Music
Motivates
Meaning.
We are Crescendo for a Cause, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and Presidential Volunteer Service Award certifying organization founded in 2018. Our mission is to improve music education in underserved areas and to utilize music performance as a vehicle for advocacy and community service.
Our Impact
500+
K-12 Students in our coast-to-coast programs
$50,000+
of instruments donated to underserved communities
100+
live/virtual therapeutic performances
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Welcome to C4C: Our Origin Story
Hear from some of our officers to learn why we are so passionate about what we do.
Get Involved
100% of Proceeds Go to Students in Need
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Recent Events
Here are just some of our recent activities & performances!
Merion Concert
C4C Northwestern - May 27th, 2025
Heritage House Concert
C4C UCSB - May 20, 2025
Trulee Retirement Concert
C4C Northwestern - May 11th, 2025
Arts & Crafts Social
C4C UCSB - May 9th, 2025
Mentorship Training Sessions
C4C Northwestern - April 24th, 2025
Colby Student-Mentor Concert
C4C Colby - April 23rd, 2025
In The News
Chicago Tribune
Crescendo for a Cause ‘spreads the joy of music’ through videos sent to elderly care facilities on lockdown due to the coronavirus.
Read More
Daily Herald
Giving back to our community with live performances, community outreach, and instrument donations to be donated to underserved music programs in inner-city Chicago.
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CW: The Jam
Watch our televised news segment, where founders Kiran Mohan, Allen Beckwith, and Jonathan Raymond, talk about the origins of Crescendo for a Cause!
WatchNational Leadership
Jonathan Raymond
Jonathan Raymond is a co-founder of Crescendo for a Cause and a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. He has played piano since the age of four and picked up trumpet at ten. When Jonathan isn’t at the research bench, he loves to take time to play in jam sessions and compose music. Some of his favorite musicians and composers consist of Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson, Tito Carrillo and Frédéric Chopin. Jonathan's favorite musical memories are during his two summers in the Birch Creek Music Performance Center, Summer Music Academy Jazz Program, and performing in the 2020 Illinois Music Education Association All-State Honors Jazz Ensemble.
Kiran Mohan
Kiran Mohan is a co-founder of Crescendo for a Cause. He is a recent graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in History of Science, with a secondary in Global Health & Health Policy. He has played a variety of instruments, including the piano, oboe, English horn, and alto saxophone. Kiran has a passion for public health and humanitarian work, conducting research at Harvard. He believes that music education initiatives, like instrument donation drives and music mentorship, play a vital role in public health, supporting the overall well-being of underserved children and communities. One of Kiran’s most meaningful experiences has been organizing Crescendo for a Cause concerts at assisted living and memory care facilities and witnessing the profound impact music has on the residents.
Justin Kim
Justin Kim is a graduate of Colby College with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, where he founded the Colby College chapter. He plays classical piano and jazz saxophone, and loves to play in ensembles. He was a saxophonist in the Colby Wind Ensemble and a solo pianist at Colby. Justin is particularly interested in addressing the disparities in music education by working closely with local communities. Growing up as a low-income immigrant, he understands how difficult it can be to access music. Now, he is excited to provide the same inspiration he’s received throughout his musical journey to spread the joy of music.
Allen Beckwith
Allen Beckwith is a co-founder of Crescendo for a Cause and a graduate of Northwestern University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He currently works at AT&T as a Network Engineer in Dallas, TX. Allen’s musical experience spans 18 years, having begun playing the piano at age 4 and the clarinet at age 10. Throughout college, Allen performed with the Symphonic Band of Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music. His favorite composer is Sergei Rachmaninoff, although he enjoys music ranging from the Classical and Romantic eras, along with jazz and contemporary artists. Allen’s favorite musical memories consist of his 2 years as Drum Major at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, where he gained lifelong friends and valuable leadership skills.
