---
title: About
---

<https://www.risethrumusic.org/about#body>

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- [About](https://www.risethrumusic.org/about)
- [Programs](https://www.risethrumusic.org/programs)
- [Get Involved](https://www.risethrumusic.org/get-involved)
- [Donate](https://www.risethrumusic.org/donate)
- [Contact](https://www.risethrumusic.org/contact)

- [About](https://www.risethrumusic.org/about)
- [Programs](https://www.risethrumusic.org/programs)
- [Get Involved](https://www.risethrumusic.org/get-involved)
- [Donate](https://www.risethrumusic.org/donate)
- [Contact](https://www.risethrumusic.org/contact)

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# About Rise Thru Music

Empowering Atlanta’s youth through personalized music mentorship and education.

![AdobeStock\_1231933673](https://www.risethrumusic.org/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_1231933673.jpeg?width=2000&height=1120&name=AdobeStock_1231933673.jpeg "AdobeStock_1231933673")

## *Our Story*

## A Mission Rooted in Opportunity

 Rise Thru Music was founded on the belief that financial barriers should never silence a child's musical dreams. Inspired by firsthand experiences in music education and instrument retail, our founders recognized the critical need for accessible music lessons and mentorship in underserved communities. Today, our nonprofit is dedicated to bridging this gap by working to provide instruments, instruction, and inspiration to help every child thrive through music. 

### John Gowland *Founding Director, President*

### Ryan Smith *Founding Director, Secretary*

### Will Kersey *Founding Director, Treasurer*

## *Our Values*

## What Drives Rise Thru Music

### We're guided by principles that put our students and community first.

#### Accessibility

 We're committed to providing free access to instruments, mentorship, and personalized music lessons. 

#### Community Stewardship

We seek to actively support and uplift the communities we serve through music education.

#### Servant-Leadership

Our team puts students first, with the goals of fostering encouragement, respect, and meaningful growth.

### [![learning guitar](https://www.risethrumusic.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_155597529_Preview.jpeg) *Aug 25, 2025, 9:30:54 PM |* Why We Started Rise Thru Music](https://www.risethrumusic.org/blog/why-we-started-rise-thru-music?hsLang=en)

### [![About](https://www.risethrumusic.org/hubfs/GuitarLessons22226.jpeg) *Feb 22, 2026, 11:23:32 PM |* Personalized Music Education Changes Everything for Kids](https://www.risethrumusic.org/blog/personalized-music-education-changes-everything-for-kids?hsLang=en)

### [![About](https://www.risethrumusic.org/hubfs/Ryan%20-%20Concert.png) *Sep 23, 2026, 1:11:49 PM | Meetthefounders* A Lifelong Passion for Music—and a 25-Year Friendship That Became a Mission](https://www.risethrumusic.org/blog/a-lifelong-passion-for-music-and-a-25-year-friendship-that-became-a-mission?hsLang=en)

[![Logo](https://www.risethrumusic.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/Lynton/Spark/images/branding/spark-logo.svg "Logo")](https://www.risethrumusic.org/?hsLang=en)

<https://www.facebook.com/people/Rise-Thru-Music/100089372322822/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/rise-thru-music/> <http://www.instagram.com/risethrumusic> <http://x.com/RiseThruMusic>

- [About](https://www.risethrumusic.org/about) 
    - [Our Story](https://www.risethrumusic.org/blog/why-we-started-rise-thru-music)
    - [Leadership Team](https://www.risethrumusic.org/about)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.risethrumusic.org/contact)

- Programs 
    - [Music Mentorship](https://www.risethrumusic.org/contact)
    - [Instrument Donations](https://www.risethrumusic.org/contact)
    - [Scholarship Assistance](https://www.risethrumusic.org/contact)

- Get Involved 
    - [Donate](https://www.risethrumusic.org/donate)
    - [Become a Mentor](https://www.risethrumusic.org/get-involved)
    - [Volunteer Opportunities](https://www.risethrumusic.org/get-involved)
    - [Community Partnerships](https://www.risethrumusic.org/get-involved)

- Resources 
    - [Blog](https://www.risethrumusic.org/blog)
    - [Privacy Policy](https://www.risethrumusic.org/privacy-policy)
    - [Terms of Use](https://www.risethrumusic.org/terms-of-use)

© 2026 Rise Thru Music. All rights reserved.  |  [Privacy Policy](https://www.risethrumusic.org/privacy-policy?hsLang=en)  | [Terms of Use](https://www.risethrumusic.org/terms-of-use?hsLang=en)