About Practice for a Purpose
Practice for a Purpose was built to give musicians a meaningful way to turn their work into support for their goals.
Whether it’s funding an instrument, paying down student loans, or supporting an artistic project, musicians put in countless hours of practice. Practice for a Purpose was created to help that work translate into real financial support.
Our Mission
We believe that the time and dedication musicians invest in their craft should have tangible value.
Practice for a Purpose exists to provide a simple, trustworthy platform where musicians can share their progress and invite others to support their journey.
Who We Are
Practice for a Purpose was built by musicians who understand both the artistic and practical realities of building a career in music.
Micah Howard
Micah Howard is a professional musician and educator with over 30 years of experience working with young musicians. He has been a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 1995 and serves as Assistant Teaching Professor of Double Bass at Carnegie Mellon University.
Through his work as both a performer and educator, Micah has spent decades helping musicians develop their craft while navigating the financial realities that come with pursuing a life in music.
Rachel Howard
Rachel Howard is a professional harpist who performs regularly and has extensive experience in arts administration and nonprofit work. She has worked with major arts organizations and youth symphonies, and is currently part of the team at the Mario Lemieux Foundation.
Her work has focused on supporting organizations and causes through thoughtful, mission-driven fundraising — an approach that informs the way Practice for a Purpose is built and operated.
Why This Matters
Musicians often rely on the support of their communities, but existing fundraising tools are not designed specifically for the realities of musical life.
Practice for a Purpose was created to bridge that gap — combining a deep understanding of musicians with a commitment to transparency, consistency, and responsible handling of funds.
Our Commitment
Practice for a Purpose is designed with a focus on clarity, consistency, and financial integrity.
We are committed to building a platform that musicians and donors can trust — one that treats every contribution with the care and accountability it deserves.