ABOUT
LIFT MUSIC FUND
THE BACKSTORY
In August 2020, Lift Music Fund was started to address the racial inequity in the field of music. We saw how this intersected with the racial wealth gap in our country.
Even before a student reaches the pre-professional level, financial barriers can prevent aspiring musicians from even taking the first steps toward a career in music.
Why?
Because music is expensive.
A good student flute is $1,000; a professional model is $15,000. Weekly private lessons range from $50-$100 per hour. A set of decent cello strings can set you back $250. A box of saxophone reeds costs $35.
When you consider these expenses it becomes clear why careers in music usually develop out of a place of privilege.
This isn't fair.
We believe that every student should have the opportunity to realize their full potential in music.
That is why we created Lift Music Fund.
Our mission is to make achievement in music more accessible and equitable.
We help underrepresented students overcome the barriers, financial and otherwise, to pursuing a career in music.
Lift Music Fund, unlike other scholarship organizations, helps BIPOC student musicians afford the incidental and hidden costs such as necessary equipment, lessons, and other expenses to advance their musical training.
Lift Music Fund also provides informational resources to help students navigate the path toward a career in music and a community of support for young musicians as they work to achieve their goals.
Founding Team
Lift Music Fund is entirely volunteer-run and is under the fiscal sponsorship of Athens Area Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Emily Eng, Executive Director
Alison Gilbert, Secretary
Landon Bubb, AAAC Treasurer
Grace Gelpi
Nathan Groot
Taylor Lents
Claudia Malchow
Derek Weagle
Advisory Council
Andrés Ballesteros
Daniel Cho
Nathan Groot
Emily Koh
William Lake Jr.
Farayi Malek
Cynthia Johnston Turner