About
The Gift of Music Foundation Programs include beginning band instruments, beginning orchestra instruments, band classes, orchestra classes, and other music classes. The programs also offer private music instruction, professional Master Class teaching, performance opportunities, and instrument repair. An income and needs-based instrument rental program provides access to beginning band and orchestra instruments, and most rental options are rent to own with the option to return at any time.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price: Access to Instruments Program prices range from market rate to half-price to no monthly rent; all programs are revenue generating, priced on an income based “sliding scale.”
Founded in 2015, The Gift of Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to create access to musical instruments and education through innovative, needs-based programs. The organization states it is the only one to offer this type of income and needs-based instrument rental program, and student level band and orchestra instruments go directly into programs after going through the repair center. Tuition in the Access to Music Education Program is income and needs-based, and the curriculum in this program is both music education and life-skills based. The Access to Music Education Program has created band, orchestra, and other music classes in settings where they have never been offered or are no longer offered.
The Consumer Sales Program sells a portion of higher value donated instruments to fund the Access to Instruments and Access to Music Education Programs and operations, and donated professional quality or high value instruments are used to purchase multiple student level models. The organization forms critical partnerships with music teachers, public schools, and organizations, and collaborates with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to connect students from elementary school to college with music education. Programs are supported by the community and key partners.
The leadership team includes Chris Monroe (Executive Director | Chief Executive Officer), Scott Keefer (Vice-President | Chief Strategic Officer), David Starnes (Chief Academic Partnerships Officer), Jeanne Carere (Chief Artistic Education Officer), Raleigh Sharp (Instrument Repair Manager), Ben Davis (Instrument Repair Specialist), Jen Mitchell (Processing/Distribution Manager), Paul Poovey (Scholastic Partnerships Manager), Paige Barber (Scholastic Partnerships Associate), Brian Palat (Scholastic Partnerships Associate), Lazara Santana (Scholastic Partnerships Associate), and Matthew Gates (Operations Support - Peachtree Corners). The Board of Directors includes Dixon Marlow (CFO/Treasurer), Michael Eckert (Secretary), Charissa Gransden (Member At Large), Tre Hutchins (Member At Large), Bev Jackson (Member At Large), Jerome Stockwell (Member At Large), and Journell Henry (Member At Large). Advisory Board members are Mark Hoskins, Bill Gibson, Khari Joyner, Mark Williamson, Kerren Berz, Travis Cottle, and Erin Layton.
Last updated July 9, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price: Access to Instruments Program prices range from market rate to half-price to no monthly rent; all programs are revenue generating, priced on an income based “sliding scale.”
Founded in 2015, The Gift of Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to create access to musical instruments and education through innovative, needs-based programs. The organization states it is the only one to offer this type of income and needs-based instrument rental program, and student level band and orchestra instruments go directly into programs after going through the repair center. Tuition in the Access to Music Education Program is income and needs-based, and the curriculum in this program is both music education and life-skills based. The Access to Music Education Program has created band, orchestra, and other music classes in settings where they have never been offered or are no longer offered.
The Consumer Sales Program sells a portion of higher value donated instruments to fund the Access to Instruments and Access to Music Education Programs and operations, and donated professional quality or high value instruments are used to purchase multiple student level models. The organization forms critical partnerships with music teachers, public schools, and organizations, and collaborates with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to connect students from elementary school to college with music education. Programs are supported by the community and key partners.
The leadership team includes Chris Monroe (Executive Director | Chief Executive Officer), Scott Keefer (Vice-President | Chief Strategic Officer), David Starnes (Chief Academic Partnerships Officer), Jeanne Carere (Chief Artistic Education Officer), Raleigh Sharp (Instrument Repair Manager), Ben Davis (Instrument Repair Specialist), Jen Mitchell (Processing/Distribution Manager), Paul Poovey (Scholastic Partnerships Manager), Paige Barber (Scholastic Partnerships Associate), Brian Palat (Scholastic Partnerships Associate), Lazara Santana (Scholastic Partnerships Associate), and Matthew Gates (Operations Support - Peachtree Corners). The Board of Directors includes Dixon Marlow (CFO/Treasurer), Michael Eckert (Secretary), Charissa Gransden (Member At Large), Tre Hutchins (Member At Large), Bev Jackson (Member At Large), Jerome Stockwell (Member At Large), and Journell Henry (Member At Large). Advisory Board members are Mark Hoskins, Bill Gibson, Khari Joyner, Mark Williamson, Kerren Berz, Travis Cottle, and Erin Layton.
Last updated July 9, 2026.
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