Ways to give

Every contribution brings music to kids, to communities, and to the world.

Every child, regardless of background, deserves access to the transformative power of music education. Your support makes it possible to continue providing exceptional music instruction to kids from all walks of life, creating life-changing opportunities and lasting impact. With tuition revenue only covering a third of our annual operating expenses, we rely on donations to make up the difference.

Whether you support through individual contribution, provide corporate giving support, establish a scholarship, make an in-kind donation of supplies or services, or simply spread the word, you’re amplifying our reach. You’re an essential part of our story—and our students’ stories too.

With your help, we bring world-class music education to over 750 students each year, with more than 700 lessons taught each month. Many of these kids depend on financial aid to pursue their musical dreams.

What your contributions cover:

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A group of young children sitting on the floor in a classroom, watching something off-camera. They are smiling and showing various expressions of excitement and joy.

GRIT Program

Donations support our full-scholarship public school outreach program, providing music education to students at three Title 1 schools. We inspire and empower young musicians who might not otherwise have the opportunity to study music.

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Academy Program

Donations fund private lessons from world-renowned faculty to students of all skill levels through our Academy. Your support ensures they receive the individualized attention and guidance they need to excel.

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A man playing the piano on stage during a performance, with an orchestra or choir in the background and a woman playing the saxophone beside him.

Conservatory Program

Donations allow us to fully scholarship our most dedicated students in this rigorous program that prepares them for prestigious institutions like Juilliard, Yale, and every major university in Utah.

Individual giving:

Your generosity also empowers our exceptional faculty, equipping them with the resources they need to continue creating innovative, meaningful connections with their students. It helps us to nurture creativity, increase academic achievement, and foster a lifelong love of learning through music.

  • It’s easy and you can use any major credit card on our online giving page. Give now >

  • Print our Giving Form and enclose with your contribution mailed to:

    Office of Advancement
    Peterson School of Music
    182 South 600 East
    Salt Lake City, UT 84102

    Tax ID: 26-3463598

    Please make checks payable to Peterson School of Music and include any special instructions on how we can contact you to acknowledge your gift.

  • We accept most forms of cryptocurrency. Please contact us for altcoin wallet addresses. Additionally, your DAF may support cryptocurrency donations; contact your financial advisor for more information.

  • Planned gifts are one of the most impactful ways to ensure a brighter future for our school and students. By designating Peterson School of Music as a beneficiary under your will, trust, retirement account, donor-advised fund, or life insurance policy, you can play a defining role in our story and the success of our students. We recommend that you consult with your attorney, tax advisor, or financial advisor before making a planned gift.

  • Make outstanding music education accessible to a child in need by establishing a named scholarship. A minimum initial contribution of $2,500 is required to establish a named scholarship. To create an endowed scholarship fund that supports students in perpetuity, a minimum initial gift of $25,000 is required.

  • If you are at least 72 years of age, you can transfer up to $100,000 (and up to $200,000 for married couples) per year directly from your IRA to our school.  Any amount you give is considered part of your minimum required distribution, and the best part is that your contribution is income tax-free!

    Just remember, you must transfer the funds directly from your IRA (does not apply to 401(k), 403(b), or other types of retirement plans). Call your IRA plan administrator and let them know you wish to make a charitable distribution to our school:

    Peterson School of Music
    182 South 600 East
    Salt Lake City, UT 84102
    Tax ID: 26-3463598

  • We accept tax-deductible donations of property and services (e.g. musical instruments, computers, tablets, recording equipment, software, music notation whiteboards, copy machines, classroom furniture, etc.). Please email giving@petersonschoolofmusic.org or call (385) 222-7787 if you are considering making an in-kind gift.

Corporate giving:

Every gift from your organization is a valuable investment in a brighter future. We provide benefits to all our wonderful partners, such as recognition on our website, in our printed program materials, on our Donor Wall in the school, and on our social media channels. We can also provide perks such as VIP access and tickets to our concerts, and can even facilitate a private performance at your business or home.

If there is a benefit that would be more valuable to you and your team, please contact us to discuss options and planning.

  • It’s easy and you can use any major credit card on our online giving page. Give now >

  • You or your broker should provide our school with your name and address, the name and number of securities to be transferred, and the bank or brokerage firm from which they are being transferred. We will be pleased to forward instructions on how to complete the transfer.

    Email: giving@petersonschoolofmusic.org

    Call: (385) 222-7787

  • Many donors take advantage of donating appreciated securities to make charitable gifts. The easiest way to donate stock is to have shares transferred electronically by your broker to the Peterson School of Music.

    Email: giving@petersonschoolofmusic.org

    Call: (385) 222-7787

  • Every summer, hundreds of supporters and alumni gather for a very special event, our annual fundraiser gala. Sponsors are highly recognized for their gracious support.

Gratitude to those who have given

  • Every gift, big and small, makes a lasting impact in the lives of kids and reverberates through families, communities, and stages near and far.

    LEGACY DONORS
    Cumulative lifetime giving  |  $1,000,000+
    Joel and Diana Peterson
    Leon and Karen Peterson

    Cumulative lifetime giving  |  $100,000
    Arthur O. and Georgia M. Dummer
    Dorothea Sharp Smart†
    Eugene Watanabe and Dr. Vera Oussetskaia Watanabe

    Cumulative lifetime giving  |  $50,000-$99,999
    Dr. Lou and Deborah Moench
    Barbara Tanner† 

    Virtuosos | $20,000-$49,999
    H. Roger Boyer
    William and Pat Child 

    Producers | $10,000-$19,999
    Rinar and Kelly Erickson
    Dr. Gary F. Larsen
    Emma Xue and Xuesong Huang 

    Performers | $5,000-$9,999
    Fang and Gary Bridge
    Rebecca Dowdell
    Errol Eernisse
    Dr. Scott Epstein and Jonah Sokoloff
    Dr. Kristen Keefe and Mr. Herb Hayashi
    Dr. Faizi A. Siddiqi and Saba Siddiqui
    Paul and Kim Stringham

    Artists | $1,000-$4,999
    Dr. Clark and Susan Andersen
    Dr. Hanseup Kim and Dr. Claire Son
    Anonymous
    Travis and Akemi Call
    Jon and Elizabeth Cole
    Dr. Antonio and Maria Cutillo
    Adam and Kate Day
    Susan Goodfellow
    Tiffany Gordon
    Dr. J.P. and Elaine Hughes
    Ron Jones
    Scott and Allison Kendell
    LeAnn Lindsey
    Alan and Marilyn Morris
    Erin Nolan
    William and Ruth Ohlsen
    Ben and Alex Peterson
    Bruce and Sara Robinson
    Haley Rowland
    Rodney and Bobbie Snow
    Michelle and Adam Wester
    Brian and Shannon Whisenant 

  • We thank the following Foundation, Government, and Corporate Donors. Our school would not be possible without your generous support.

    Foundation Support

    Legacy Donors
    Cumulative lifetime giving  |  $100,000+

    The Brent and Bonnie Jean Beesley Foundation 
    Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation


    Cumulative lifetime giving  |  $50,000 – $99,999
    George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation


    Virtuosos  |  $20,000-$49,999
    Angela and Ezekiel Dumke III Charitable Fund


    Producers  |  $10,000-$19,999
    Frederick H. Barth Foundation


    Soloists  |  $5,000-$9,999
    Rocky Mountain Power Foundation


    Artists  |  $1,000-$4,999
    LT and Janet T Dee Foundation
    Mark T. and Gretchen N. Durham Charitable Fund
    National Philanthropic Trust
    The Fanwood Foundation

    Government Support

    Legacy Donors 
    Cumulative lifetime giving  |  $50,000-$99,999
    National Endowment for the Arts 

    Virtuosos  |  $20,000-$49,999
    Utah Division of Arts and Museums

    Producers  |  $10,000-$19,999
    Salt Lake City Arts Council
    State of Utah

    Performers  |  $5,000-$9,999
    Salt Lake County Zoo Arts and Parks

  • Legacy Donors
    Cumulative lifetime giving  |  $100,000+

    Peterson Homes
    Peterson Partner 

    Virtuosos  |  $20,000-$49,999
    Cottonwood Title 

    Performers  |  $5,000-$9,999
    Big-D Corporation
    FJP Supply 

    Artists  |  $1,000-$4,999
    Jordan Valley Medical Center
    Rocky Mountain Power

A young girl in a yellow dress with pink straps playing the piano with a person standing beside her, possibly an instructor or parent. The girl is looking down at the piano keys, while the person is reaching towards her and her reflection can be seen in the piano's glossy surface. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly a music classroom or practice area.

Reach out

Questions about our lessons and programs? We’re here to help. Send us a note at info@petersonschoolofmusic.org, or give us a call at 385.222.7787.