The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation, a nonprofit public charity established by Muzak LLC, works to redefine and expand the scope of music education. The foundation's Music Matters Grants for 2010 program will focus on educational reform in school music programs and independent music programs across the United States.

Music education — vocal or instrumental — must be the key component of any music program requesting funds. Applications will be accepted from public school programs (qualifying for Title I federal funding and serving a minimum of 70 percent low-income students) and nonprofit 501(c)(3) programs directly funding music education (serving students regardless of their ability to pay).

Applicant schools and programs must already employ a music educator(s) and have an existing music program in place. Grant requests must articulate specific music program needs — for existing and/or planned programs.

Grant amounts for this cycle will range between $1,000 and $12,000 each and will be made on an annual one-time basis.

The dealine is February 5, 2010.

Visit the foundation Web site here or complete program information.