Music and Arts for All

Our Music and Arts for All program opens the door to the joy of music and arts for thousands of Rochester students.

We launched our first music program, Spring for Music in 2005. Since then, REF in partnership with the community, has donated more than 4,000 pre-owned musical instruments to Rochester city students. We accept playable instruments at our office on the first Wednesday of each month, and then disburse them to RCSD and charter schools, city music programs, and individual students throughout the city of Rochester.

What else does this program do to make a difference? Our Music and Arts for All program:

Provides used musical instruments for Rochester city students
Increases students' musical performance opportunities
Provides scholarships for music lessons
Provides a special award of a brand new musical instrument to a college-bound student with great musical promise
Supports the Pride of Rochester district-wide marching band
Provides instruments to Roc Music
Supports the ROC City Players All-District performing arts troupe

Support Music and Arts for All

Donate an Instrument or Equipment

Just where do your musical instruments go? In Rochester, hundreds of donors have chosen to donate them to city school students.

Instruments go to music teachers who then put them into the hands of their students at RCSD and charter schools. They also go to the RocMusic Program, and directly to students who have let us know about a specific instrument that they are especially eager to play. Playable instruments do not belong in the basement or forgotten in a closet, they belong with young musicians who are excited to play. We are grateful to everyone throughout the community who has gifted their previously loved instruments to our students.

WHAT DO WE ACCEPT?

We accept string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments as long as they are in playable condition. Also, just as needed are music stands, amps, sound equipment, strings, capos, drumsticks, mallets, and other types of musical supplies and equipment!

We do NOT accept pianos, organs, drum sets, or accordions.

HOW TO DONATE AN INSTRUMENT:

REF accepts donations of instruments on the first Wednesday of the month from 9:00-4:00. There is no need to make an appointment. Our office is located at 225 W Broad Street, Suite B, Rochester, NY 14608. We are located behind the Advantage Federal Credit Union Bank. Park behind the bank, and there is a ring doorbell. Ring and we will let you in!

SUPPORTERS INCLUDE:

Frank Alberti, Ames Amzalak Memorial Trust, Bernunzio Uptown Music, Colleen Bielemeier, BSN Sports, Julie Buchanan, Carol Doeffinger, Heroes Brewing Company, Knataitis Construction, Nannette Nocon, The Pardi Partnership Architects, P.C., Pamela Polashenski, Roberts Wesleyan College, Elizabeth Rennert, Brendan Christopher Ryan Fund for Music and Performing Arts, Christina Schmidt.