The School of American Music was founded by D. Garth Taylor in 2012 to serve as a music resource in southwest Michigan. Over the past decade, the School’s ambitions and accomplishments have risen consistently. Click through the timeline below to learn more.
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School of American Music incorporated as a Michigan charity, receives IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt status
Priscilla Hellenga volunteers to be executive director
1 student is enrolled
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Three Oaks Twp Library makes available four rooms for lessons, administration
20 students
Volunteer teachers, lesson fees go to operations support
First Pokagon Fund grant, for scholarships, equipment
First student recital -- Edgewater Methodist Church, New Buffalo
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Recruit teachers from local symphony orchestras
Some teachers are paid, others volunteer and donate lesson fees
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Three Oaks Village makes former Village Hall on Maple St. available for teaching, performances
State of Michigan Place-Making Grant, GoFundMe Campaign and local donations ultimately invest $100,000 + in Three Oaks Arts & Education Center
40 students
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Donna Mitchell becomes second volunteer executive director
70 students
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Begin music programs in River Valley Elementary Schools
80 students
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Launch Endowment Campaign ($500,000) to fund paid staff, unanticipated needs
100 students
During Covid ... scholarships up to 90% subsidy
Foundation support for expanded scholarship program
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Launch Corporate Sponsorship Campaign to support scholarships, operating expenses
130 students
Scholarships up to 60% subsidy
19th and 20th Student recitals
