DONATION LINK: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/allied-arts-foundation-seattle/the-seattle-drum-school-of-music
Seattle Drum School of Music: Cultivating Musical Excellence Through Community Support
The Seattle Drum School of Music (SDSM) is a cornerstone of musical education in the Seattle region, fostering creativity and skill development for students of all ages and abilities for nearly 40 years. Established in 1986 by Steve Smith, Steve and his wife Kristy Smith (both lifelong instructors at the school) grew this family-owned institution into a comprehensive music education hub with two Seattle locations and a team of over 40 professional musician instructors. As a fiscally sponsored project of the Allied Arts Foundation, SDSM benefits from a supportive framework that enhances its mission to provide top-tier musical education to a diverse community of aspiring musicians.
A Nurturing Environment for All Ages
SDSM is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where students can learn their instrument craft from professional musicians. The school’s welcoming atmosphere celebrates students as human beings and fellow artists, a philosophy that has guided its growth over the past 38 years. With students ranging from 3 to 84 years old, SDSM prides itself on being a fun and inspiring place for musical exploration and growth.
Comprehensive Instruction
The Seattle Drum School of Music Instructors offer their experiences and knowledge in a wide array of musical genres and instruments. Students can choose from drum and percussion lessons, guitar, bass, piano, voice, trumpet, music exploration, songwriting, production and more. The school’s teaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction tailored to each student’s individual goals and learning pace. This approach ensures that whether a student is a beginner or an advanced musician, they receive the guidance and support needed to thrive. SDSM also offers ongoing band classes for ensemble development, as well as week-long summer camps for youth to learn how to play as a band and gain performance experience.
Community Engagement and Support
A cornerstone of SDSM’s philosophy is its strong commitment to community engagement. The school frequently collaborates with local organizations and offers its facilities for community events. At its Georgetown location, housed in a historic neighborhood building, SDSM offers a fully-equipped music and teaching facility complete with an intimate all-ages performance venue: The LAB at 1010. This venue builds on the legacy of SDSM’s original building as the first place that young musicians publicly performed; now this opportunity continues for the next generation in its South Seattle facility. Additionally, resident audio engineers have also produced, recorded, and mixed music projects for community members throughout the years, further contributing to Seattle music history.
The LAB at 1010 not only serves as a training ground for students but is also open to the community for various events, supporting their endeavors with an experienced engineering team and livestream capabilities. The LAB also hosts guests for meetings, rehearsals, video shoots, talent showcases, musical theater, dance and art exhibitions; and fosters a vibrant local music scene with all-ages events of all kinds.
Tuition Assistance
Throughout its history, SDSM has continuously supported students with lesser means to access music education through its informal scholarship program, supporting dozens of students each month with reduced or no-cost lessons and classes. SDSM also engages with the community through partnerships, offering music workshops and outreach programs to bring music education to students who might not otherwise have access to it. This commitment to inclusivity and support ensures that financial barriers do not hinder access to quality music education.
Diverse Community Support and Events
The Seattle Drum School of Music is deeply embedded in the local community, supporting a wide range of events and initiatives that cater to diverse audiences including:
Music Clinics and Workshops: Offering specialized instruction and insights from professional musicians to help students enhance their skills and broaden their musical knowledge.
Community Jams and Open Mic Nights: Bringing together musicians from different backgrounds to collaborate and create music in an informal, supportive setting.
Seasonal Recitals: Showcasing the progress and achievements of students, these recitals are a highlight for families and friends, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the students.
Fundraisers and Charity Events: Participating in local fundraisers and charity events to give back to the community.
Rehearsal Spaces: Providing rehearsal spaces for local and touring musicians, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
Use of Funding Support
Donated funds to SDSM are crucial in supporting the school’s diverse range of programs and initiatives, including:
Youth Musical Education: Providing scholarships and instruments to young students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, to ensure they have access to quality music education.
Live Performance Opportunities: Hosting events like the monthly youth music showcase “Second Sundays at Three” and other performance opportunities that allow young musicians in the community to gain experience on stage.
Adult Music Education: Offering classes and workshops tailored to adult learners, encouraging lifelong learning and musical exploration.
Community Creative Arts Development: Supporting community events, open mic nights, and collaborations that foster a vibrant local arts scene and provide platforms for creative expression.
Conclusion
The Seattle Drum School of Music exemplifies the power of community support and dedicated instruction in fostering musical excellence. With a commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement, SDSM continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists. Donated funds play a vital role in sustaining and expanding the school’s programs, ensuring that quality music education and opportunities for growth remain accessible to all. Through its ongoing efforts and community-focused initiatives, SDSM is well-positioned to make a lasting positive impact on the Seattle arts landscape for many years to come.
The Seattle Drum School of Music is a fiscally sponsored project of the Allied Arts Foundation.
If you’d prefer to donate by check, please make check payable to “Allied Arts Foundation” and indicate “The Seattle Drum School of Music” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to:
Allied Arts Foundation
Care of Media Law Group Inc.
999 N Northlake Way, Suite 207
Seattle, WA 98103
Tax ID: 910829974
Thank you for supporting this Seattle Music legacy!
CONTACT: info @ seattledrumschool.com