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SMARTS INITIATIVE
Sharing Music. Accessing Resources. Transforming Students.
Music in their hands. Possibility in motion.
SMARTS is the signature youth education initiative of the Sunset Music & Education Foundation, providing instrument ownership, mentorship, scholarships, master classes and real-world performance opportunities to young people throughout the Coachella Valley.
TALENT ISN'T THE BARRIER. ACCESS IS.
Some families simply cannot afford to buy or rent an instrument. And when a school doesn't have enough instruments for students to take home, some young musicians only get to play during class.
It's hard to develop a passion for music when you can't practice at home.
That's why SMARTS puts instruments directly into students' hands—instruments they can take home and call their own.
But the instrument is only the beginning.
WE CREATE PATHWAYS
SMARTS connects young people with professional artists, mentors and experiences that show them what's possible.
Students receive opportunities for:
Instrument Ownership • Mentorship • Scholarships • Master Classes • Soundchecks • Professional Performance Experiences
A soundcheck can become a classroom.
A professional artist can become a mentor.
And a stage can change how a young person sees their future.
OUR IMPACT
4,000+ people reached
47+ instruments placed
$30,000+ in instruments & resources
2 grand pianos gifted
100 complimentary student & family concert tickets
And at just one school, more than 120 students are still waiting for instruments.
There is more work to do.
BE PART OF SMARTS
DONATE
Help provide instruments, mentorship, scholarships and opportunities.
DONATE AN INSTRUMENT
Give a quality instrument a new life in the hands of a student who needs it.
APPLY FOR AN INSTRUMENT
Students and families can apply for SMARTS instrument ownership with support from their music teacher, school or program.
The instrument is only the beginning.
Belonging. Confidence. Mentorship. Opportunity. Hope.
Apply for SMARTS Support
SMARTS Instrument Ownership Application: Please complete our new online application so we can learn more about the student’s musical journey, program participation, and support needs. Once submitted, a representative from SMEF will review the application and coordinate next steps with the student’s guardian, music teacher, school, or program director.
Additional student scholarships and music support may be available through teacher, school, or program recommendations.