ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
The Georgia Music Foundation supports programs of music education, preservation and outreach while fostering an appreciation for the state’s rich music heritage.
OUR VISION
By preserving the past and providing learning opportunities today, we imagine a future where music generates even greater cultural, educational and economic benefits in Georgia.
OUR PROGRAMS
Established in 1994, the Georgia Music Foundation has spent nearly three decades working with valued partners statewide to support programs that preserve the state’s music history, provide opportunities for students to participate in music education and promote Georgia’s music communities.
GEORGIA MUSIC GRANT
The Georgia Music Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in annual Georgia Music Grants since 2015. The grants of $5,000 or less support music education, preservation and outreach programs at Georgia K-12 schools and non-profit organizations. Grants fund the purchase of instruments, instrument repair, instructional and technology resources, and programming. Maximum grant amounts each year depend on the funding available.
MACON MUSIC REVUE
Macon Music Revue explores and brings new life to the expansive and influential songbook of its hometown. The. band was developed in 2023 by Georgia Music Foundation in partnership with Visit Macon to create a dynamic live music, preservation and place-making experience to cultivate local audiences, serve as ambassadors to out-of-market audiences and continue the legacy of creative expression and songwriting associated with Macon. Learn more and listen here.
MUSIC EDUCATION IS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Georgia Music Foundation champions the capacity of music education programs to instill critical employability skills. Habits developed and practiced through the study of music include critical thinking and problem solving, creative and innovative thinking, teamwork, communication and discipline, all of which will help support a highly trained and reliable workforce for Georgia’s future.
GEORGIA ON MY MIND
Georgia On My Mind brings together Peach State natives, ex-pats and even a few neighbors to raise money for the Foundation’s Georgia Music Grants program. The benefit concerts, which feel like the best family reunions ever, have been held multiple times at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, at Five Arrow Farms in Social Circle, Georgia and even online during the height of Covid. Dozens of artists and songwriters have appeared at Georgia On My Mind over the years, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support music education and preservation programs via the Georgia Music Grants. At left, Dexter Redding and the late Otis Redding III.
JOSEPH R. JOHNSON FELLOWSHIP AT UWG
In 2006, the Foundation, along with Fred & Dinah Gretsch, endowed the Joseph R. Johnson Fellowship at the University of West Georgia’s Center for Public History. The fellowship supports research and documentation of regional music projects which have included Sacred Harp, Georgia blues and Macon’s Southern Rock roots as subjects of student projects. At left, Joseph Johnson fellow Brian Crews with the late musician, artist and folklorist Art Rosenbaum.
OUR PROGRAMS
Established in 1994, the Georgia Music Foundation has spent nearly three decades working with valued partners statewide to support programs that preserve the state’s music history, provide opportunities for students to participate in music education and promote Georgia’s music communities.
GEORGIA MUSIC GRANT
The Georgia Music Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in annual Georgia Music Grants since 2015. The grants of $5,000 or less support music education, preservation and outreach programs at Georgia K-12 schools and non-profit organizations. Grants fund the purchase of instruments, instrument repair, instructional and technology resources, and programming. Maximum grant amounts depend on the funding available each year.
MACON MUSIC REVUE
Macon Music Revue explores and brings new life to the expansive and influential songbook of its hometown. The. band was developed in 2023 by Georgia Music Foundation in partnership with Visit Macon to create a dynamic live music, preservation and place-making experience to cultivate local audiences, serve as ambassadors to out-of-market audiences and continue the legacy of creative expression and songwriting associated with Macon. Learn more and listen here.
MUSIC EDUCATION IS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The Georgia Music Foundation champions the capacity of music education programs to instill critical employability skills. Habits developed and practiced through the study of music include critical thinking and problem solving, creative and innovative thinking, teamwork, communication and discipline, all of which will help support a highly trained and reliable workforce for Georgia’s future.
JOSEPH R. JOHNSON FELLOWSHIP AT UWG
In 2006, the Foundation, along with Fred & Dinah Gretsch, endowed the Joseph R. Johnson Fellowship at the University of West Georgia’s Center for Public History. The fellowship supports research and documentation of regional music projects which have included Sacred Harp, Georgia blues and Macon’s Southern Rock roots as subjects of student projects. At left, Joseph Johnson fellow Brian Crews with the late musician, artist and folklorist Art Rosenbaum.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
-
Ledja Cobb
Co-Owner, Georgia Mae’s
Savannah, Georgia -
Dinah Gretsch
Executive VP & CFO
The Gretsch Company
Savannah, Georgia -
Russell Bennett
Chair, Board of Directors
President/CEO
Dogwood Hill Realty
Monroe, Georgia -
Karla Redding-Andrews
VP/Executive Director
Otis Redding Foundation
Macon, Georgia -
George Fontaine Jr.
Manager, New West Records & Normaltown Records
Athens, Georgia -
Bo Henry
Musician, Co-Owner of Stewbos Restaurant Group
Albany, Georgia -
Lisa Love
Executive Director
Georgia Music Foundation
Macon, Georgia