Who We Are
Our mission is to empower Orlando’s under-resourced youth to envision a positive future for themselves and discover their own creativity through music and music education.
Our vision is to help every child reach their musical and personal potential through music and arts education.
Our program was founded in 1999 and is A Gift for Teaching’s flagship arts education program. Designed to provide students with musical enrichment, practice, and performance, we utilize every available avenue to nurture a student’s musical growth from 3rd grade through their high school graduation. We offer after-school programs at five Orange County elementary school locations as well as a comprehensive orchestra program for our elementary through high school students, summer camp, and a host of performance opportunities – all 100% tuition-free!
Who We Serve
Since 1999, A Gift for Music has worked with more than 11,000 under-resourced students in Orlando, providing them with tuition-free string music education. Approximately 90% of A Gift for Music’s students qualify for free or reduced lunches at their school, meaning that A Gift for Music provides music instruction to students who otherwise could not afford it.
Programs
“AGFM has helped me combine my passion in teaching and helping others. I have grown not only as a teacher but as a person. Seeing students from different walks of life coming together to work on and perform music is such a blessing and I am thankful for the opportunities AGFM has given me over the years. “
“Whatever event in life we go through, there are a thousand years’ worth of music written by people who might’ve felt the same.”
“AGFM provided us an opportunity we would otherwise not be able to access without paying a small fortune. My sons do not have the option to learn to play an instrument at their elementary school. This was not only an incredible opportunity, but it was absolutely free! We are so thankful that AGFM exists!”
“My experience teaching with the AGFM after-school violin program was amazing. The students were all in awe of the violin, and at first the majority said they never thought they would be able to play. This program brought them hope by showing them that anything is possible and that they can do whatever they want in life.”
“A Gift for Music has been a formative part of my life and I greatly appreciate everything the organization does for its students!”
“It has completely lifted my daughter‘s confidence. Ever since she started playing with AGFM she began to love the time that she spends practicing her violin. It has made her more social and she gets that really great feeling that only playing with other musicians can give… it’s great to see them playing with so much joy!”
