MusicLink Foundation

Description: The MusicLink Foundation is able to provide quality musical instruction to children by partnering with qualified music teachers willing to reduce their normal fee by at least half. The Foundation supports these "links" by offering discounted music and materials, assistance with getting a practice instrument, reimbursement to teachers for out-of-pocket expenses and Summer Music Camp Scholarships. By collaborating with teachers, schools, businesses, community organizations, volunteers and donors, the MusicLink Foundation is able to make dreams come true for students who could never otherwise have had the opportunity to participate in music lessons.

Target demographics: Low-income children nationwide from early childhood through age 18.

Direct beneficiaries per year: There are approximately 1,000 students actively involved in lessons at any one time throughout the year.

Someone who had 3 hours of volunteer time could: help match volunteer teachers with nominated students.

Geographic areas served: Nation-wide

Board Members and Affiliation: Martha Smith, MTNA Certified Independent Music Teacher

William Haroutounian, National Symphony Orchestra

Charles Kinney, Attorney--Winston & Strawn Wash D.C.

Grace Jean, Music Critic for the Wahington Post

Julie Romeo, President, Romeo Music

Virginia Guttierez, Director Community Relations, Miami Convention Bureau

Nancy Carter, Visual Artist

Sue Wege, MTNA Certified Independent Music Teacher

ADVISORY BOARD

Scott McBride Smith, Director of the Intn’l Institute for Young Musicians, Director of the Royal American Conservatory Examinations

Doug Schmitt, VP of Schmitt Music Co.

Carolyn Callahan, Dir. of the Nat’l Research Center on the Gifted & Talented

Verdine White, Guitarist with Earth,Wind & Fire Founder & Director of the Verdine White Foundation & Wright Center

Andre Watts, Internationally known concert pianist

Marvin Hamlisch, composer & conductor