Music for People was founded in 1986 by cellist David Darling and flautist Bonnie Insull.

[1] The approach to music facilitation is generally unconventional, using a playful teaching style[2] developed by David Darling beginning with his work leading workshops as part of the Paul Winter Consort beginning in 1980.

[4] Darling's dedication to Arts-in-Education innovation and creativity earned him the 1995 Artist of the Year Award from Young Audiences, Inc.[5] Music for People has prompted many offshoots, such as the Improv Collective at Fredonia University[6] and the classical music program at DePauw University that incorporates music improvisation.

[7] This sums up the philosophy promoted by the organization:[1] The techniques used in music education have been published in a handbook on musical forms and structures,[8] as well as a set of three CDs of interviews with David Darling and Julie Weber.

[10] Here are links to some of the music workshops that have been organized and facilitated by graduates of the Musicianship and Leadership program: Oshinsky, James (January 2008).