Our Mission: ​

​​

To expand access to music education and artistic opportunity by providing instruments, mentorship, scholarships, and performance experiences that empower youth, connect generations, and strengthen communities through the transformative power of music.

​

Why Our Work Matters

In the Coachella Valley, many talented students face financial barriers that limit access to music education. Some families cannot afford instruments. Others cannot afford private lessons or enrichment opportunities. In many school music programs, students are unable to take instruments home, making it difficult to practice and grow.

​

SMARTS helps remove those barriers by providing students with instruments they can own, educational support, mentorship, and opportunities to perform.

​

Research shows that students involved in music education develop stronger academic skills, increased confidence, improved communication abilities, and greater social-emotional resilience.

​

When students have access to music, they don't just become better musicians—they become stronger students, leaders, and community members.

​

The SMARTS Difference

SMARTS is more than an instrument program—it's a pathway program.

​

Students receive instruments they can take home and call their own, but they also gain access to experiences that help them envision what's possible.

​

Through SMARTS, students may participate in:

​

• Instrument ownership opportunities

• Scholarships and educational support

• Mentorship from professional artists

• Workshops and master classes

• Rehearsals and soundchecks

• Student showcase performances

• Community events and cultural celebrations

• Leadership and confidence-building experiences

​

We don't just put instruments in kids' hands—we put them on stages, connect them with mentors, and show them what's possible.

 

Connecting Generations Through Music​

One of the most unique aspects of SMARTS is the opportunity for intergenerational connection.

​

Many of our performances and community events bring together students, professional musicians, educators, seniors, and community leaders. Through these shared experiences, students gain encouragement, wisdom, mentorship, and real-world exposure to the arts.

​

Music becomes a bridge that connects generations while strengthening community.

​

Our Impact

Since becoming a nonprofit organization, SMEF has provided thousands of dollars in instruments and scholarships to local students while creating opportunities for young musicians to perform, learn, and grow.

​

Every concert, donor contribution, sponsorship, and community partnership helps place another instrument in a student's hands and create another opportunity for a young artist to thrive.

​

Because when a child has access to an instrument, the music doesn't stop when class ends.

​

​

Our Vision

We envision a future where every young person who dreams of making music has access to the resources, support, and encouragement needed to pursue that dream.

​

A future where financial barriers do not determine artistic opportunity.

​

A future where music connects generations, celebrates culture, and strengthens communities.

And a future where every child has the chance to learn, perform, and thrive.

​

​

Support SMARTS

When you support SMARTS, you're investing in more than an instrument.

​

You're investing in confidence.

​

In education.

In mentorship.

In opportunity.

In a young person's future.

​

Together, we're transforming lives through the power of music.

​

One Performance. One Student. One Dream at a Time.

​

​

 

 

 

You can also mail a check to:

 

Sunset Music and Education Foundation

1900 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Ste 52

Palm Springs, CA 92264

Federal Tax ID: #33-2559579

 

We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by law

​

​

Donate an Instrument

Do you have a quality instrument that's no longer being played? Through the SMARTS Initiative, your donation can find a new home with a student in an underserved Coachella Valley community. We accept instruments in good to excellent playing condition that are complete and ready to play. Together, we can help a young musician discover their talent, build confidence, and create a brighter future—one note at a time.

​

Ready to donate an instrument? Complete our Instrument Donation Form.

 

​

​