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 Foundation Programs

Georgia Music Grant

The annual Georgia Music Grant provides awards of $5,000 or less for music education, preservation and outreach projects at Georgia schools and non-profit organizations. Past grants have funded instruments for schools, teaching artist residencies, summer music camp instructors, exhibition design, museum programming, a documentary and more.

Music Education IS Workforce Development

In 2019, the Georgia Music Foundation launched a program to champion the capacity of music programs to instill employability skills for a highly trained and reliable workforce in the state. Guided by research, the program has developed specialized curriculum, provided teacher training and expanded funding for school music programs.

Georgia On My Mind

In 2015, the Peach Pickers, a songwriting collective featuring Georgia natives Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip, hosted the first sold-out concert in Nashville to benefit the Georgia Music Foundation. Held annually at the Ryman Auditorium, GOMM recognizes and celebrates the longtime influence of Georgia musicians and songwriters.

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 has included Sacred Harp, Georgia blues and Macon’s Southern Rock roots in past student projects.