Today we’d like to introduce you to Buddy Hale.
Hi Buddy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was growing up, my father battled with dementia, I went through the foster system and ultimately became an emancipated minor. I really struggled with isolation, a lack of personal identity, and had no helping hand to show me how to navigate the world. My life would have been very different if I had access to musical instruments and resources earlier. Musical exploration helped me define who I am in this world. It allowed me to identify my interests and passions and ultimately helped me create family-like bonds with a community of other music enthusiasts. Now that I’m in a place where I can create a resource that I wish existed when I was growing up, I can be the change I wish to see in the world. I can create a resource that provides opportunities that didn’t exist when I was young, which is very rewarding.
When I got older, I came up with the idea of creating a free music instrument library. I worked towards a business degree at Sacramento State University, I put every class project or assignment towards the creation of this library. After earning a degree in business with a focus on social entrepreneurship, MusicLandria was born.
I donated every instrument that he owned to the library. Although it wasn’t much, it was enough to allow MusicLandria to begin testing out the idea to and see what the impact would be. Seven years later, we’ve completed over 27,000 free instrument loans.
The name MusicLandria is inspired by the Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. When I launched MusicLandria, the intention was to build the largest musical instrument library in the world, which we still plan to do, one step at a time.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running MusicLandria has been amazing. Some struggles have included team building, board development, finding sustainable funding and meeting/ exceeding the needs of our community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a social entrepreneur. I am a lifelong musician and my mission is to make musical exploration accessible to everyone. I am known for founding The Library Of MusicLandria, Warm Robot Studios, MusicLandria Radio and for providing free access to musical instruments.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you’re an aspiring social entrepreneur, I’d say start by building a rad team of people you really dig, are fun to work with and have complementary skills and perspectives to yours. If you’re interested in starting a MusicLandria in your own city… hit me up 🙂
Pricing:
- Donate here: https://www.musiclandria.com/building-campaign
Contact Info:
- Website: www.musiclandria.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musiclandria/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLibraryOfMusicLandria
- Other: https://www.musiclandria.com/musiclandria-radio
