Songbirds Foundation

Songbirds guitars for kids program furthers the philosophy that music is one of the most transformative forms of communication - transcending barriers and creating common ground through its ability to bind us together and strengthen us as individuals. No matter how different or distant a culture we can always gain an understanding of that culture through music. Guitar for kids provides guitar lessons, music therapy, and other musical experiences to hundreds of youth across chattanooga through classes that focus on guitar basics and provide students with the fundamentals by exposing them to a wide variety of playing styles and techniques.

Museum - experiencing music history museum visitors learned how the guitar helped shape pop culture history in the heart of chattanooga's southside district. All revenue generated by the Songbirds museum will further their guitars for kids program.

Facility donation and food, beverage & merchandise sales - guests are surrounded by music memorabilia, vintage guitars, a custom-built oak and ash stage, and interactive exhibits. Radio hour- live radio show featuring celebrated musicians including performances, interviews, and audience q&a.

The program integrates regional and national artists and students are able to attend free shows and perform, collaborate, and record with these artists. Classes also offer students a forum to discuss social, health, and life issues. Certified music therapists use music to help students work through these issues. Students also work in groups that allow them to create friendships and establish music bonds with other players. This type of group interaction is essential for kids who have experienced bullying, or have developmental disorders such as autism or asperger's. The program was modified to serve students wherever they were working from home or in person at school. We know that music helps kids cope with the devastating demands that the pandemic placed on families. The program allowed over 4,500 kids to have interactive musical experiences with the organization's teachers and other students. We worked with 102 schools and 22 partner programs to train their chorus teachers how to teach our curriculum to their students. We then provided each teacher with a donated set of 25-50 guitars, curriculum books, equipment (picks, strings, bags, tuners), and ongoing support. More than 832 guitars were distributed across the state.