Empowering Communities
Through Music, Learning & Leadership
Welcome to the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM Georgia)
dedicated to providing
Expanding
our purpose
Our mission is to empower underserved children and youth, and to strengthen churches across metro Atlanta and Georgia through free music education, academic support, and music leadership training. We serve Black, immigrant, refugee, and other minority communities while welcoming children and youth from all backgrounds. Using music as a tool for personal growth, cultural connection, and educational success, we believe music is a pathway to opportunity, leadership, and lasting community impact.
Expanding our purpouse
ANAM Georgia is the U.S.-based extension of the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM), originally founded in Liberia in 2008.
Our mission is to empower underserved children, youth, and strengthen churches across metro Atlanta and Georgia through free music education, academic support, and music leadership training. We serve Black, immigrant, refugee, and other minority communities, using music as a tool for personal growth, cultural connection, and educational success. We believe music is a pathway to opportunity.
Through our Music and Learning Studio and Church Music Program, we nurture creativity, discipline, leadership, and social-emotional well-being in a safe learning environment.
We support academic growth in students as young as three, and equip local churches with trained worship leaders and musicians, creating a bridge between education and community empowerment.
Our programs support
Children and Youth
Preschoolers to teens receive free piano lessons, general music instruction, rhythm training, academic support, and homework help.
Churches
Small and mid-sized churches benefit from free training in piano, organ, drums, worship planning, choral conducting, and leadership development.
Families in Underserved Communities
We engage families through parent workshops held throughout the year. These sessions educate caregivers with tools to support their children’s learning at home, reinforcing the vital role of family involvement in student success.
Musically gifted students
Personalized coaching, performance opportunities, and mentorship to prepare talented students for professional music careers. Through real-world exposure and community engagement, we empower them.
Programs
Music Discovery Day
Date: Saturday November 29ᵗʰ 2025
Hour: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Location: First Christian Church of Atlanta, 4532 Lavista Rd, Tucker GA
ANAM Georgia launches a year-long music initiative for underserved children with Music Discovery Day, a free community event offering mini piano and ukulele lessons, drum circles, creative movement, live performances, and family workshops. Following the event, 30–50 preschool and K-5 students will access weekly music and literacy classes in schools and community centers across Metro Atlanta. This program breaks down cost and access barriers, using music to build confidence, creativity, and cross-cultural connection.
What to Expect
- Mini piano and general music lessons and rhythm games for children.
- Dance, we’ll introduce children to the joy of movement through a fun, beginner-friendly dance session.
- Interactive music circles including singing, drumming, and movement
Parent info sessions to learn more about our year-round programs. - Live demonstrations from our teaching team and student performers.
- Enrollment support for families interested in joining our Music & Learning Studio.
- Community networking with local schools, churches, and volunteers.
Who Should Attend
- Children ages 3 and up (including teens, parents, and caregivers).
- Local churches looking for music training for youth or worship leaders.
- Community members interested in volunteering or partnering with ANAM Georgia
Music & Learning Studio
Free Music and Academic Enrichment for Children and Teens
The Music & Learning Studio provides joyful, high-quality learning experiences for children ages 3 and up in Georgia. We combine free music instruction with academic support to nurture creativity, confidence, and school success—especially for students from underserved, immigrant, and refugee communities.
Program Highlights:
- Group piano and general music lessons, rhythm-based instruction.
- Storytelling circles and reading support.
- Homework help and academic coaching.
- Arts-integrated activities that spark curiosity.
- A nurturing, culturally responsive environment.
- Family engagement through seasonal workshops and resource events.
Where We Serve:
- Partner schools and daycares.
- Afterschool and Saturday community sessions across Metro Atlanta.
Free Church Music Program
Many small and mid-sized churches struggle to find skilled musicians for worship. Our Free Church Music Program helps fill that gap by training youth, and adult leaders to confidently serve in music ministry.
We Provide Hands-On Training In:
- Piano for worship settings
- Sight-reading and playing by ear
- Gospel and Jazz Piano
- Choir direction and worship planning
- Developing and leading worship teams
- Customized coaching for each church’s unique needs
Who We Serve:
- Local churches in need of music and worship support
- Volunteer musicians and aspiring youth worship leaders
ANAM Artists Incubator
The ANAM Artists Incubator is a specialized mentorship and development program that identifies musically gifted students from underserved communities and prepares them for professional music careers. Through personalized coaching, real-world exposure, and community engagement, we empower the next generation of creative leaders.
Program Highlights:
- 1-on-1 Mentorship
Students are paired with professional musicians for weekly personalized coaching and artistic guidance. - Career Readiness
Support with performance preparation, audition materials, college applications, and leadership development. - Performance OpportunitiesParticipants showcase their talents at local events, church services, concerts, and special community gatherings.
- Community Connection
We actively connect students with sponsorship opportunities, churches, and arts organizations that believe in their potential.
Who We Serve:
- Youth ages 12–21 with advanced musical talent and commitment.
- Students from low-income, immigrant, refugee, or minority backgrounds.
ANAM Georgia programs and outreach are made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors, foundations, sponsors, churches, and community partners.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or community partner? Learn more about supporting ANAM Georgia.
About Us
Empowering Children, Strengthening Churches, Uplifting Communities
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower underserved children and youth, and to strengthen churches across metro Atlanta and Georgia through free music education, academic support, and music leadership training. We serve Black, immigrant, refugee, and other minority communities while welcoming children and youth from all backgrounds. Using music as a tool for personal growth, cultural connection, and educational success, we believe music is a pathway to opportunity, leadership, and lasting community impact.
Our Vision
To build thriving communities where every child and church is empowered through music, learning, and leadership.
Legal Status
Agape National Academy of Music Inc. (ANAM Georgia) is a nonprofit charitable organization incorporated in the State of Georgia and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 92-3621684). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Copies of our IRS determination letter and most recent financial statement are available upon request.
Our Story
ANAM Georgia is the U.S.-based extension of the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM), Liberia’s first and only fully operational music school. Since its founding in 2008, ANAM has provided culturally rooted music education to more than 1,200 students in West Africa.
In 2023, we launched ANAM Georgia to create similar access to opportunity for families and churches in the U.S. While we share a mission with our Liberian counterpart, ANAM Georgia operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit with its own board, programs, and vision tailored to the unique needs of Georgia’s underserved communities.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Ora Gladstone
Acting Board Chair | Retired Music Teacher and Peace Corps Volunteer
Dr. Athi Msutu
Director, AMQ Advisory
Read more
Margareth Miguel
Professional Singer and Music Educator
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Dr. Gregory (Greg) Finkbonner
Executive Staff Advisor, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice | Adjunct Professor, Grand Canyon University
Read more
Augustin K. Brown (Gus)
Controller, Wellroot Family Services
Administrative Team
Samson S. Tarpeh
Founder | Executive Director
Born and raised in Liberia, Samson Tarpeh has always believed that music has the power to heal, unite, and inspire. Growing up in a country rebuilding after war, he saw firsthand how access to the arts could restore hope and purpose in the lives of young people. Out of that conviction, he founded the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM) in 2008, Liberia’s first fully operational community music school, to give children a safe space to learn, dream, and grow through music.
After years of leading ANAM in Liberia, Samson moved to the United States and established ANAM Georgia, extending that same vision to underserved children and churches across Metro Atlanta. Today, his mission remains the same: to empower the next generation through music, education, and leadership.
Read more
Samson’s journey in education and leadership has been shaped by both faith and scholarship. While earning his Master’s in Community and Leadership Development at the University of Kentucky, he taught service-learning courses and studied how faith-based organizations strengthen communities. His research was later published (Tarpeh, Samson & Hustedde, Ronald 2020)) in a peer-reviewed journal, a reflection of his belief that faith and community development belong together.
Beyond ANAM, Samson has devoted much of his career to serving refugee and youth communities in Kentucky and Georgia, helping young immigrants and families build brighter futures through education, creativity, and mentorship. He has successfully managed programs supported by local foundations and agencies such as the Georgia Department of Human Services, the Federal Matching Grant Program, and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, demonstrating a strong capacity for effective program and financial management.
In addition to his nonprofit work, Samson teaches piano at the Gwinnett School of Music in Lilburn, Georgia, where he continues to inspire students of all ages to find their unique voice through music, nurturing not only their talent but also their confidence and love for learning.
As a performer, Samson has shared his music in concerts across the United States and Liberia, including performances for former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and other distinguished guests, always using music as a bridge of hope, unity, and connection.
He is an active member of several professional and faith-based organizations, including the Music Teachers National Association, American Guild of Organists, National Association of Negro Musicians, The Hymn Society in the US and Canada, the Community Development Society, the American Choral Directors Association, and a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Liberia.
Volunteer Staff & Advisors
Vitaly Franko
Director of Digital Infrastructure
Yuxiang Ren
Grants & International Partnerships Manager
Qijin Liu
Senior Grant Database Manager
Aswin Gunasekaran
Grant Database Manager
Vidarshana Govilesh
Grant Database & Social Media Manager
Maria Valbuena
Web Designer
Get Involved
Join the ANAM Georgia Movement
At ANAM Georgia, we believe in the power of community to transform lives through
music, learning, and leadership. Your support helps us reach more children, equip more churches, and create lasting change.
When you volunteer, you help us:
- Provide free music lessons for children and teens.
- Fund academic enrichment and literacy materials.
- Host educational workshops for families and churches.
- Hire and train qualified teachers and volunteers.
- Expand access to students from undeserved, immigrant, and refugee communities.
- Offer church music leadership training at no cost to small and mid-sized congregations.
We are currently seeking...
Funding partners to help sustain and grow our programs
Volunteer teachers and mentors passionate about music, education, and ministry
Community collaborators, including schools, churches, and nonprofits across Georgia
Help us build a lasting legacy of empowerment through music and education.
Ready to make a difference?
Donate Online!
$25
Provides a child with one music lesson
$50
Supports literacy and academic tools
$100
Equips a church with music training and resources
Every donation opens doors to music, education, and opportunities for change.
Ready to make a difference?
Donate Online!
$25
Provides a child with one music lesson
$50
Supports literacy and academic tools
$100
Equips a church with music training and resources
Every donation opens doors to music, education, and opportunities for change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between ANAM Georgia and ANAM Liberia?
ANAM Georgia and ANAM Liberia are two separate nonprofit organizations working in partnership. ANAM Georgia was established in the U.S. to provide music education locally and to help support ANAM Liberia’s mission to bring music, literacy, and leadership development to children in Liberia.
Is ANAM Liberia part of ANAM Georgia?
No. ANAM Liberia is a distinct entity operating in Liberia. However, ANAM Georgia includes support for ANAM Liberia as part of its mission, and we collaborate closely through program design, funding, and strategic planning.
Does ANAM Georgia send money to ANAM Liberia?
Yes. A portion of ANAM Georgia’s funds—including individual donations and grants designated for international impact—are used to support ANAM Liberia. All funds are tracked, monitored, and reported in alignment with nonprofit best practices and IRS regulations.
Can I choose which program my donation supports?
Absolutely. You can choose to support:
- ANAM Georgia’s local programs
- ANAM Liberia’s music and literacy initiatives
- Or allow us to use your gift where it’s most needed
We’re grateful for your trust and are happy to share updates on the impact of your gift.