Our Mission: To empower, inspire, and enrich the lives of children in local communities through life changing musical experiences.
The cost of putting a child in private music lessons (when we recommend starting) through graduation is nearly $20,000.
Because of your generosity, many of our families pay as little as $10/month for this valuable service. Committing to give on a recurring basis is the best way to support our lesson programs. $50 a month provides the support needed for a student to have a lesson each week with their mentor. However, any amount is appreciated.
Our model is built on long-lasting relationships with our teachers. In order to maintain those relationships, we compensate them at fair market value for their services. This allows us to attract and retain quality teachers for our students to learn from. In order to subsidize our lesson pricing, we raise money through private donations. Your gift will go toward the cost of lessons for a student right here in Birmingham who could not otherwise afford music lessons.
Many families have spare instruments that have been outgrown or have been gathering dust for years. We have an instrument collection program that connects unused instruments with children who are eager to learn, but unable to purchase one of their own.
We accept donations of gently-used guitars, amps, ukuleles and keyboards, as well as band and orchestral instruments in playable and good cosmetic condition. They will be refurbished and sent to school music programs. We do not accept pianos, organs or accordions. If you are unsure, contact us and we can tell you if we are able to accept your instrument.
Please complete and include our downloadable instrument donation form in the instrument case and drop off at any of our Mason Music studios. Be sure to make a copy of the completed form for your records, as the current estimated value of the instrument placed by you will serve as your receipt for tax purposes. A professional appraisal will need to be provided to us for any instrument valued over $5,000. For more information, visit Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property.
We always like to know the history of the instrument and how you decided to donate it to us so please include that information. If you have any questions, please give us a call or e-mail us.
Who We Are
Mason Music Foundation is operated by Will Mason and Jeanette Hightower (pictured above). These two passionate individuals are dedicated to making a difference in Birmingham through the vehicle of music education. Will serves as the CEO and Jeanette is the Executive Director of the Foundation.
What We Do
Mason Music Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing musical opportunities including instrument donations, private and group instruction, and chances to perform. This is achieved through strategic partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and private individuals. Through these unique services we believe major developments occur such as essential listening and motor skills, individual emotional and mental growth, expansion of self-confidence, acquisition of perseverance and self-discipline, and embracement of responsibility. Our goal is to provide these invaluable services at a greatly reduced cost, yet rich with creativity. Our lesson fees are calculated using an income-based sliding scale. Fill out our new student sign up form above and we will get in touch with you with more information.
Board of Directors
Duncan Hulsey, Blankenship & Seay Consulting Group, Board Chairman
Will Haver, Otey’s and Taco Mama
Hallet Johnson IV, Usablenet Inc.
Joe Hampton, Spire Energy
Trip Summersell, ABC Polymer
Susan Thomas, Onin Group
Ellen Walker, Outdoor Investment Co.
Jim Walker, Blackjack Lands, LLC
Community Supporters
Our community partners are critical in helping us fulfill our mission. They include many individuals, as well as businesses and foundations such as the Woodlawn Foundation, Rev Birmingham, Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, IPC, Protective Life, Independent Presbyterian Foundation, EBSCO, Mason Music LLC, Brookwood Dermatology, Otey’s Tavern and Taco Mama, The Hutson Family Foundation (Kimberly and Rusty), Charles and Lucy Mason, Brian Burgess, Jennifer Beasley, Al LeJeune, and Frank and Karen Sottosanti.
T: 205-291-8224
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