Overview
What is Lead Guitar?
Lead Guitar is a nonprofit organization that focuses on enriching public schools with limited access to arts education. Operating in various locations such as Tucson, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta, they provide formal professional development sessions for teachers, enabling them to teach guitar and mentor students. Their team of highly skilled teaching artists use their curriculum to instruct students, thereby establishing permanent in-school guitar ensemble classes at no cost to the schools. Lead Guitar also hosts workshops, both online and in-person, and offers private lessons to attendees. During the academic year, they serve numerous classrooms and students, engaging them in guitar lessons and equipping teachers with the necessary skills. To extend their reach, Lead Guitar organizes in-school assemblies and produces a YouTube broadcast called "We Are Guitar," featuring guest guitar luminaries, interviews, and student performances. Throughout their operations, Lead Guitar employs a team of 13 individuals.
Official website here: www.leadguitar.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 96%
Lead Guitar has achieved a Four-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its high level of accountability and financial health. The organization scored an impressive 96% in Accountability & Finance, demonstrating strong governance practices, such as a fully independent board and effective oversight mechanisms. The organization also exhibits a solid Program Expense Ratio of 78.87%, indicating that a significant portion of its funds is directed toward its mission-driven programs.
The Leadership & Adaptability score is a perfect 100%, showcasing the organization's commitment to professional development for its leaders and their ability to navigate challenges, particularly in response to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Culture & Community score of 93% highlights the nonprofit's positive internal environment and community engagement efforts, which are essential for fostering a supportive atmosphere.
While Lead Guitar shows exceptional performance across various metrics, potential donors and supporters should consider these ratings as part of a broader evaluation of the nonprofit's impact and programs. Overall, the organization exemplifies strong financial practices and robust leadership, positioning itself as a trustworthy option for philanthropic support.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Lead Guitar legitimate?
Lead Guitar is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Lead Guitar submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $138,120
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $422,852
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.leadguitar.org
What is the mission statement of Lead Guitar?
Lead Guitar's mission is to establish permanent in-school guitar ensemble classes in public schools with limited access to arts education. Qualified teaching artists utilize Lead Guitar's curriculum to teach students to play the guitar and train teachers to teach guitar, at no cost to the school. The organization provides professional development sessions for teachers and serves classrooms in various states, teaching thousands of students and training teachers to teach guitar. Lead Guitar also organizes in-school assemblies and spring showcase concerts, as well as a YouTube broadcast called "We Are Guitar," featuring guest guitar luminaries and student performances.
Official website here: www.leadguitar.org
What is the revenue of Lead Guitar?
Lead Guitar's revenue in 2024 was $1,932,357.
Official website here: www.leadguitar.org
Who are the executives of Lead Guitar and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Lead Guitar during 2024 was $37,398. There are 15 employees and 14 volunteers at Lead Guitar.
Here are 15 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $126,473
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Official website here: www.leadguitar.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Lead Guitar?
Lead Guitar's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2024 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.leadguitar.org
Learn more at the official website: www.leadguitar.org
Mission Statement of Lead Guitar
Lead Guitar, as an organization, is dedicated to establishing permanent in-school guitar ensemble classes in public schools with limited access to the arts. They achieve this mission by employing highly skilled teaching artists who utilize their curriculum to teach students to play the guitar and train teachers to do the same, free of charge for the schools. The primary aim is to enhance music education and foster a love for music among students in underserved communities. In addition, Lead Guitar offers professional development sessions for its certified public-school teachers, providing them with the necessary skills to teach guitar effectively. These workshops are conducted both online and in-person, offering private lessons and utilizing the talents of all staff members. Lead Guitar served 242 classrooms in 94 schools across five states during the 2022-23 academic year, teaching over 6,400 students and 103 public-school teachers to play the guitar. The organization also brought professional guitarists to 21 in-school assemblies and hosted six spring showcase concerts, marking a return to pre-pandemic attendance numbers. Despite the return of live events, Lead Guitar continues to produce a YouTube broadcast called 'We Are Guitar,' featuring guest guitar luminaries, interviews, and student virtual guitar ensemble performances. This online event was introduced during the pandemic as a replacement for live shows.
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Impact
October, 2024
Lead Guitar significantly enriches the educational landscape, particularly in public schools where access to the arts is limited. By establishing permanent in-school guitar ensemble classes, Lead Guitar ensures that students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to learn and express themselves through music.
With the support of highly qualified teaching artists, the organization provides comprehensive training for both students and educators. In the 2022-23 academic year alone, Lead Guitar served 242 classrooms across 94 schools in five states, teaching 6,432 students how to play guitar while also providing professional development for 103 public school teachers. This dual focus not only enhances students' musical skills but also empowers teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to sustain music education in their schools.
The impact extends beyond traditional classroom learning. Lead Guitar has successfully integrated in-school assemblies featuring professional guitarists, enriching the educational experience and inspiring students. Additionally, the organization has adapted to modern needs by producing “We Are Guitar,” a biannual YouTube broadcast that highlights student performances and features guest artists. This initiative not only keeps the community connected but also allows for the celebration of their musical accomplishments in a wider arena.
Overall, Lead Guitar's commitment to fostering a vibrant musical culture in schools is vital, offering creativity, collaboration, and personal growth for students who might otherwise lack access to such opportunities.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Lead Guitar. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2024.
- Investment Income: $7,681
- Program Service Revenue: $16,655
- Gross Receipts: $1,999,439
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $366,413
- Total Liabilities: $23,700
- Net Assets: $342,713
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
CURRICULUM SALES
Revenue
$9,277
PROGRAM SERVICE FEES
Revenue
$7,378
Organization Details
Founding Year
2006
Principal Officer
Marc Sandroff
Website
www.leadguitar.orgNTEE Category
Code: A6E - Arts
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