About AME
Access Music Education (AME) is a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit born from a two-year volunteer partnership dedicated to promoting equitable music education in underserved communities. We believe every student, regardless of income level, deserves both the chance to reach their full musical potential and access to the proven social
Access Music Education (AME) is a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit born from a two-year volunteer partnership dedicated to promoting equitable music education in underserved communities. We believe every student, regardless of income level, deserves both the chance to reach their full musical potential and access to the proven social-emotional and academic benefits of rigorous music study. AME's mission is to provide that access by partnering with under-resourced schools in Washington, DC to offer sustained, free private music instruction and assistance with the equipment and resources needed to support music study from elementary school through high school and beyond.
Private instruction is essential for musical excellence, so free private lessons are the cornerstone of our program. Without access to private lessons, students from under-resourced communities cannot compete on equal footing with their more affluent peers, many of whom receive regular private instruction as a matter of course. This dispa
Private instruction is essential for musical excellence, so free private lessons are the cornerstone of our program. Without access to private lessons, students from under-resourced communities cannot compete on equal footing with their more affluent peers, many of whom receive regular private instruction as a matter of course. This disparity closes doors to competitive youth ensembles, scholarship opportunities, and advanced music programs before these students ever have a chance to be heard. We believe cost and geography shouldn't determine who gets to study music, so we bring tuition-free lessons directly to students, at their school, during the school day.
Not all students will reach the highest levels of musicianship, but all will benefit from music study. Research consistently shows that musical training has a positive effect on cognitive function, language processing, and social bonding, in addition to its value as an outlet for creative expression and emotional well-being. The students
Not all students will reach the highest levels of musicianship, but all will benefit from music study. Research consistently shows that musical training has a positive effect on cognitive function, language processing, and social bonding, in addition to its value as an outlet for creative expression and emotional well-being. The students we serve face significant challenges: all come from low-income families, many are first-generation Americans, and all belong to communities historically underrepresented in classical music. AME provides the regular, long-term private instruction that allows students to develop their talents, build their academic abilities, and fully access the range of available musical opportunities.
Beyond lessons, we help provide and maintain instruments and other essential supplies. Over the past two years, we have partnered with donors, community members, and local music stores to facilitate more than $20,000 in instrument donations, repairs, and supplies for our students.
Questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of Access Music Education.