Association Sponsor Membership
Strengthening Music Education Together
Association Sponsor Membership is for individuals, families, alumni, community members, businesses, foundations, organizations, and friends who believe in the importance of music education and wish to support the work of the Dennis Frayne Association for Music Education.
Music education gives people opportunities to develop musicianship, creativity, perseverance, collaboration, expression, and lasting relationships with music. Strong music education also depends upon teachers who continue learning, educational resources that support their work, opportunities for students to grow and be recognized, and organizations willing to invest in the profession.
Sponsor support helps the Association develop and sustain teacher education, publications and educational resources, student recognition through the Dennis Frayne Ascent, research, curriculum development, events, outreach, and other initiatives that strengthen music education.
Annual Sponsor Membership Levels
Association Sponsor Membership is offered at seven annual levels. Each provides a way to support the work of the Association at a level appropriate to the member’s circumstances and interests.
Membership Level | Annual Amount
Friend — $100
Patron — $250
Sustainer — $500
Benefactor — $1,000
Guardian — $5,000
Champion — $10,000
Visionary Circle — $25,000
Sponsor Members may renew at the same level or choose a different level of support for a future membership term.
Association Sponsor Membership is not covered by the Association’s Price-for-Life Guarantee. Sponsor Membership levels and amounts may change in the future.
One-Time Contributions
Supporters may also make a one-time contribution of any amount without becoming an Association Sponsor Member. One-time contributions provide another way to support the Association for those who do not wish to begin an annual Sponsor Membership.
One-time support may be directed toward the general work of the Association and can help develop educational resources, support new initiatives, strengthen student recognition and teacher-development programs, and expand the Association’s capacity to serve music education.
The Dennis Frayne Association for Music Education is not currently recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Sponsor Membership payments and one-time contributions are not represented by the Association as tax-deductible charitable contributions. Additional information is provided in the Frequently Asked Questions below.
Why Your Support Matters
The Dennis Frayne Association for Music Education exists to strengthen music education by supporting the teachers, students, resources, and educational work through which musical learning takes place.
Sponsor support can help make possible work such as:
Professional learning for music teachers
Educational publications, curriculum, and teaching resources
Student recognition through the Dennis Frayne Ascent
Conferences, workshops, and other educational events
Research and writing
Development of new educational resources and programs
Future scholarship and access initiatives
Outreach and other work that advances the Association’s mission
The organizational capacity needed to develop and sustain these programs over time
As the Association grows, Sponsor support can help increase both the reach and quality of this work while allowing new programs and resources to develop in response to the needs of teachers and students.
A Shared Investment in the Future
Association Sponsor Membership provides a way for people who value music education to participate in the long-term work of the Association even when they are not music teachers themselves.
Every Sponsor Member contributes to an organization working to strengthen teaching, support musical learning, recognize student accomplishment, develop educational resources, and build opportunities that can serve music educators and students for years to come. We are grateful to the individuals, families, businesses, foundations, and organizations that choose to take part in that work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may become an Association Sponsor Member?
Association Sponsor Membership is open to individuals, families, alumni, community members, businesses, foundations, and organizations that wish to support the work of the Dennis Frayne Association for Music Education.
Do I need to be a music teacher?
No. Association Sponsor Membership is designed for people and organizations that wish to support the Association’s work. You do not need to teach music or work professionally in music education.
Does Sponsor Membership include Teacher Membership benefits or professional programs?
No. Association Sponsor Membership is separate from Teacher Membership.
Teacher resources, professional learning programs, certification opportunities, the Monthly Teacher Workshop, eligibility to offer the Dennis Frayne Ascent, and other benefits intended for music educators are available through Teacher Membership and any applicable program requirements.
May I make a one-time contribution instead of becoming a Sponsor Member?
Yes. You may make a one-time contribution without becoming an Association Sponsor Member.
Sponsor Membership provides an ongoing annual way to support the Association, while one-time contributions are available for those who prefer to provide support without beginning a recurring Sponsor Membership.
May I change my Sponsor Membership level?
Yes. Sponsor Members may request a change in their level of support for a future membership term. Contact the Dennis Frayne Association for Music Education if you would like to change your Sponsor Membership level.
Is Sponsor Membership or a contribution tax-deductible?
The Dennis Frayne Association for Music Education is not currently recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Sponsor Membership payments and contributions are therefore not represented by the Association as tax-deductible charitable contributions.
Tax treatment may depend on individual circumstances. Sponsors should consult a qualified tax professional regarding the treatment of any payment or contribution.
How are Sponsor Membership payments and contributions used?
Sponsor support helps fund the work of the Dennis Frayne Association for Music Education. This may include teacher development, educational resources, student recognition, publications, curriculum development, research, outreach, organizational operations, and other programs and initiatives related to the Association’s mission.
Does the Association serve only people in the United States?
The Association’s professional membership and teacher-development work is presently centered in the United States, and Teacher Membership is currently available to eligible music educators in the United States.
Some Association programs may also reach students who live elsewhere. Eligible participating U.S.-based Teacher Members may enroll Dennis Frayne Ascent students regardless of where those students live. Student eligibility for Ascent is based on studying with an eligible participating Teacher Member, not on the student’s country of residence.
