PYO Music Institute’s Post

This note took ten years for me to write. I began the The Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble as a project-based experiment, funded by two small grants and plenty of ideas. Since the beginning, I’ve invested 100% of my time in creating high-quality work that employs the best people and gives the audience the best programming results. One thing I haven’t done well at all is ask for money from our audience members. I have relied on grant organizations, event sales and the occasional corporate sponsorship to fund our work. This is a model that can work through pure muscle and grit, but grants are unreliable and so are the trends and agendas of foundations. Donation drives and the ‘ask’ really come down to what is important to you. I’m reaching out to see if your interest in supporting NEW tap dance works that innovate and inspire NEW audiences is meaningful enough to see these programs into reality: - We have a new residency at the Ryerss Museum in Northeast Philadelphia, through which we will be offering FREE public tap and jazz performances “on the porch” in April and October; - We have partnered with Fringe Arts to present ‘Evenings of Jazz Funk and Fusion,’ starting in April; - The Barnes Foundation has commissioned us to create a new premiere alongside the Mickalene Thomas exhibit; - We are creating a new ‘jazz story’ about Beryl Booker that will premiere at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival this Fall. (Will we win another “Fringie”? That’s our goal!) - We are starting a monthly community jazz jam at Bob and Barbara’s, (see you April 3)! - We have partnered with the Athletic Recreation Center to house our tuition-free tap dance youth program are initiating the first ever Philadelphia Youth Tap Summit at the Center on May 23; - We are creating a documentary to celebrate Germaine Ingram and the 30th anniversary of “Plenty of Good Women Dancers.” Can you help the company - and tap dance - grow today? Your tax-deductible donation of any size can be earmarked to support our artists, our programming or our youth initiatives. You tell me what is important to you, and I will make sure your gift is put to good use. To donate securely online, just navigate to https://lnkd.in/eY2av2kw. Checks can also be mailed to our fiscal sponsor at Philadelphia Dance Projects, c/o Phila Jazz Tap Ensemble, 9 N Preston Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Thank you! (Feel free to share).

Support our Winter Campaign, and utilise the power of music for social change At Musicians Without Borders, we've been using the power of music to foster lasting peace and social cohesion in areas of conflict for 25 years. In a world where division and inequality persist, our work is more urgent than ever. But you can make a difference. By supporting our Winter Campaign, you will directly contribute to: Sustainable Program Development: Ensuring the long-term viability of our music-based initiatives in conflict zones. Capacity Building: Enhancing our ability to respond to emerging crises and support marginalized communities through music education and therapy. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with like-minded organizations to amplify our impact and drive systemic change. Plus, the first €25,000 donated to this campaign will be doubled at no extra cost to you! Click here to donate today: https://ow.ly/BxNK50U69Ju There are also other ways to engage and help us expand the reach of our campaign. If your company would be interested in exploring a partnership together, get in touch to discuss how our organizations can collaborate to drive social change. Also, by simply sharing our mission with your network, you will help amplify our impact. Together, we can leverage the power of music to create a more harmonious and equitable world.

Danny Kean story here, nearly 40 years of free music for all, read below and support if you can: On the road for almost 40 years, the same pickup truck with a piano in the back shared freely with everyone. After 20 years as a fee based performance vehicle, for the last 18 years the Traveling Piano has been operating with no fees, tips or commercial affiliation... no hook and with nothing but with pure Musical Fun, Friendship and Respect through Empowerment and Inspiration. Piano Man Danny Kean with his first pup Bo-ner in spirit and now Traveling Piano pup Mo, they have been focused on community outreach and especially for those struggling in life. Over 100,000 people have been on the piano seat and all through one-on-one individual musical interactions. Having originated in Philadelphia, PA the Traveling Piano has established itself now as a Downtown Las Vegas for the last eight years. Travels have happened throughout the entire Northern Hemisphere of America. The journey has been blogged daily since 2006 on the Traveling Piano's website www.travelingpiano.com The Traveling Piano operates in the most simple way possible without financial reserves, obligations, expectations, salaries or self-serving agenda for attention. 100% of all contribution is put into the truck, work and equipment. Online fundraisers happen only when the situation becomes dire for truck and equipment needs. The act of not accepting contribution in person with the Traveling Piano experience keeps the agenda pure. It creates trust and opportunity for healing in vulnerable environments where communities are severely hurting from tragedy. Giving freely without an exchange leads to intimate and personal interactions of trust and is a huge aspect of why the Traveling Piano's work has been successful. Currently the Traveling Piano truck is in a dire situation. Funding is necessary in order to continue operation. Specifically, a new carburetor and brakes are needed and for the sake of present-ability, serious cosmetic work as in a paint job, new front window and a replacement dashboard to get the speedometer and emergency lights working. The heat is destroying the piano and its sound system and a backup keyboard and speaker is necessary. Over the years people have suggested a new vehicle. This will not work considering the Traveling Pianos unique life and deep emotional and personal history. Cleaning it up and restoring its parts is the only way to go. The world needs the Traveling Piano's mission of truth in spirit. It is a safe space with positive energy and love and lets not forget the fun for all who come in contact with it. We all need fun now especially, eh? Will you help keep it alive? Please contribute... again and again. Just once is great too! And please share this contribution link on your social media and in groups. Spotfund: https://lnkd.in/e54Ra5hk Website: https://lnkd.in/ecXeC6Ji Venmo: Dan Kean @travelingpiano

Talk about inspiration!!

Music programs fast-track children's listening skills, boosting language, reading, and overall development. Embrace the power of music! #research #MusicMakesMyLifeBetter #ETMLA #KeepTheMusicPlaying #GiveTheGiftOfMusic #MusicEducation #NonProfit #LosAngeles

National Hug a Musician Day celebrates musicians and their contributions to art, culture, and emotional well-being. I can get on board with this since my wife is a musician. I hope that there is a National Hug a Singer day down the road. IYKYK. In the context of estate planning, this day underscores the value of supporting the arts and the creators behind it. Musicians often face unique financial and career challenges, making long-term planning and support vital for their stability. Through thoughtful estate planning, individuals can support music and musicians by establishing charitable trusts, donating to music-focused organizations, or even setting up scholarships for young musicians. Additionally, musicians themselves may benefit from estate planning strategies that protect their intellectual property and ensure that royalties and creative works provide for their loved ones and continue to inspire future generations.

Check out this article about an incredible organization and how families support their loved ones at Ability Beyond.

#APTipTuesday – Integrating music into your gala program adds fun, energy and entertainment value to the guest experience, and can also help inspire generosity. Here are three ideas for enhancing and elevating your program with music: 1. Use live music to help connect your guests with your mission. An inspiring song right before your fund-a-need can provide the right emotion to set the stage for generous giving. 2. Work with your AV partner to identify upbeat “walk-on” music to play as your speakers are entering the stage. 3. Identify a song that ties in with the theme of each of your live auction items. Playing a snippet of a song as each item is described is a great way to add playfulness and a little drama to your auction.     #AnnPlans #TipTuesday #NonprofitEvent #FundraisingEvent #CommunityEngagement #Philanthropy #EventPlanning 

#APTipTuesday – Integrating music into your gala program adds fun, energy and entertainment value to the guest experience, and can also help inspire generosity. Here are three ideas for enhancing and elevating your event with music:    1. Use music to help connect your guests with your mission. An inspiring song right before your fund-a-need can provide the right emotion to set the stage for generous giving.    2. Work with your AV partner to identify upbeat “walk-on” music to play as your speakers are entering the stage.    3. Identify a song that ties in with the theme of each of your live auction items. Playing a snippet of a song as each item is described is a great way to add playfulness to your auction and help keep guests engaged.    #AnnPlans #TipTuesday #NonprofitEvent #FundraisingEvent #CommunityEngagement #Philanthropy #EventPlanning 

Funding Opportunity 📢 Are you passionate about music and looking for funding to support innovative projects for young people? The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund might be just what you need!   This fund offers grants ranging from £2,000 to £30,000 to organisations in England that aim to help children and young people (aged 25 or under) make, learn, and earn in music.   Projects must align with one of the following themes: - Early Years: Initiatives targeting young children. - Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent Young People: Projects that are inclusive and accessible. - Youth Justice System: Programmes aimed at young people within the justice system. - Young People Facing Barriers: Initiatives supporting those who face significant challenges. - Young Adults: Projects for young adults transitioning into the music industry. Organisations and the Workforce: Efforts to improve the music sector’s inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Application Deadlines: The fund operates in rounds, with the next deadlines being: Round 8: Deadline on 22 November 2024, with notifications by 31 March 2025, for projects starting between April and June 2025. Click on the link to find out more: https://lnkd.in/ewE4dbc7 #BHPfundingfriday #whyBHP #charity #notforprofit Laura Masheder - Audit Partner and Head of Not-for-Profit Lesley Kendrew Nicola Adams Neil Baldwin FCCA DChA