Mariah Carey at VH1 Save The Music Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Gala in Lincoln Center on September 20, 2007 in New York City. The Save the Music Foundation, which donates instruments to public schools and helps fund music education programs, honored Carey.

Mariah Carey said it only made sense to work for the Save the Music Foundation because music saved her.

Mariah Carey with Jon Bon Jovi

Mariah with a music student

“Music has always been my saving grace,” said Carey, accepting her award at the foundation’s 10th anniversary gala Thursday night at Lincoln Center.

“Like everyone growing up, my life wasn’t easy,” said Carey. “I don’t always like to talk about it in great detail, but music saved my life literally. Writing songs and singing is so therapeutic for me.”