Frequently Asked Questions
Who does ANAM Georgia serve?
ANAM Georgia serves children and youth ages 3 to 17, from low-income households, including African American, immigrant, refugee, and other underserved populations, while welcoming all children and youth without discrimination. Our primary service area is DeKalb County, where our programming is based and where the majority of our students are served. Because the greater Atlanta metropolitan area is highly interconnected, we also serve students from neighboring communities, including Snellville, Lawrenceville, Dacula, Loganville, and Atlanta.
What is ANAM Georgia's approach to youth development?
We use music and the arts as tools for youth development. Our programs help children and youth build confidence, creativity, academic skills, social-emotional skills, leadership, teamwork, and positive relationships in safe and supportive community environments.
Are your programs free?
Yes. ANAM Georgia provides core youth development programs at no cost to participating families. We work with churches, individual donors, foundations, local businesses, volunteers, and other community partners to reduce financial and other barriers to participation.
Does my child need prior music experience?
No. Our programs welcome students with different levels of musical experience. We meet students where they are and support their growth through age-appropriate instruction, mentoring, creative activities, and positive relationships.
Does ANAM Georgia provide free instruments for students to use during instruction and help provide instruments for students to practice at home when they do not have access to one?
Yes. ANAM Georgia provides instruments for students to use during instruction at no cost. For students who do not have an instrument at home, we work with community partners to help provide used or donated instruments so they can practice at home.
Our instrument-access partners and supporters include The Crosby Foundation, MusicLink Foundation, local churches, foundations, and other community partners. Through these partnerships, we seek to ensure that a student’s ability to practice and progress is not limited by their family’s ability to purchase an instrument.
What music and arts activities are offered?
Programming varies by age, cohort, and available resources. Activities may include piano, violin, voice, guitar, ukulele, African drumming, creative arts, and other music experiences. Music serves as a foundation for broader learning and youth development.
Is ANAM Georgia a music school?
No. ANAM Georgia is a youth development organization that uses music and the arts as a primary vehicle for engaging children and youth.
Our goal extends beyond musical instruction. We help young people develop the skills, confidence, relationships, and experiences they need to thrive in school, at home, and in their communities.
Where are programs held?
We provide programming through trusted community spaces, including churches, schools, libraries, community centers, and other accessible locations. Our current weekly programming is held at First Christian Church of Atlanta in Tucker, Georgia. Community-based programming helps reduce transportation, financial, and other barriers for families.
How does ANAM Georgia support families?
We view families as partners in youth development. Families have opportunities to participate in orientations, provide feedback, support learning at home, engage in community activities, and help shape programs through family engagement opportunities.
How can I support ANAM Georgia?
There are many ways to support our work:
- Donate to help keep programs accessible
- Volunteer as a mentor, educator, assistant, or community supporter
- Partner with us through your organization or community
- Refer a child or family who could benefit from our programs
What makes ANAM Georgia different?
We combine music, learning, youth development, and community connection in an accessible model designed around the whole child. Our goal is not simply to teach children how to play an instrument. We use music to help children discover their abilities, build confidence, develop essential life skills, and see themselves as capable members of their communities.
Help Us Build a Lasting Legacy of Youth Development
Join us in creating opportunities that help children and youth build confidence, strengthen their skills, discover their potential, and thrive through music, learning, and community.
Get in touch with us to learn about volunteering opportunities as a mentor, youth development facilitator, music educator, classroom assistant, event volunteer, or administrative supporter.