AJC Music strives to create an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming space for all students that allows them the opportunity at musical fulfillment as well breaking down financial barriers to arts education.

My grandmother, Frances, was my first piano teacher. I had a very special bond with my "Nanny" she was born on February 20th 1943 and I was born on February 20th 1991, becoming what everyone refered to as "her favorite birthday present". Nan provided me with an incredible opportunity:

When I was 7 years old, she started teaching both my sister and I piano lessons on the stipulation that if we didn't like first one we could quit. My sister barely lasted the first half hour, but I went on to graduate with a degree in piano performance. Something that would have never been possible without her help. Nan had provided me with my first keyboard, and then my first piano (which I now teach students on in my home) and paid for my lessons for the first 18 years of my life. On February 14th she passed away, and two days before our Birthday, I was playing her favorite hymn "In The Garden" at her funeral. I will never forget that birthday, surrounded by my aunts and my mother cleaning out my Grandmother's apartment.

My grandmother had such a profound impact on my musical education and we shared an incredible bond. This is why I started the Frances Fund, with the belief that everyone should have access to arts and arts education.

Without my grandmother's financial help with piano lessons, he wouldn’t have had this opportunity. I hope to provide the same kindness and opportunities that my grandmother helped me with. Through our Frances Fund and other Sponsorships AJC Music aims to bring free and affordable lessons to the community so people like Aaron & his daughter Cadence and the countless students who need the assistance can experience the joy that comes with music and the arts.

To this day we have provided over 35 musical instruments to students in need, given $19,625 worth of Free and Reduced price lessons, and provided free monthly drum circles, music classes, Jam sessions for teens, and Instrument exploration sessions.

Thank you for taking the time to read out about what we do and why we do it. We appreciate you and without your support we would never be able to provide the gifts we do.

Thank you.

Love Notes for the Frances Fund

Bridging the Gap to Arts Education