Contribute to a named scholarship fund
We are deeply honored by those who entrust us with a piece of their legacy by establishing named funds benefitting Gifted Music School. Donations made through these special funds help bring music education to all, in accordance with the establishing donor's wishes. Unless otherwise directed, we notify the funds' founders with the names and amounts of those who give to their funds.
Georgia M. and Arthur O. Dummer Scholarship Fund
Art and Georgia rank among the very truest of Gifted Music School's friends, providing exemplary leadership, advocacy, and financial support. Their belief that exceptional music is vital to a beautiful society fuels their passion for the school. Donations to this fund provide scholarship monies for both need- and merit-based scholarships.
Henry Rampton Kendell Memorial Fund
Henry Kendell (2007-2022) was a true light and gift to this world. The Kendells celebrate his beautiful life, cut too short, by supporting Gifted Music School, and its mission to make the world a better place through music. Donations to this fund will go toward both need- and merit-based scholarship programs, helping to ensure that children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to receive world-class music education.
Deborah Moench Teacher Training Fund
Gifted Music School's Teacher Training program is named for Deborah Moench, one of the most beloved and sought-after Suzuki violin pedagogues in the United States; her many hundreds of former students can be found in concert halls and studios throughout the globe. Mrs. Moench believes that continual improvement is a vital quality of a teacher. Donations to this fund support the multiple teacher training workshops held at Gifted Music School each year.
Leon & Karen F. Peterson Scholarship Fund
Few individuals have worked as tirelessly and generously for Gifted Music School as Leon and Karen Peterson. Leon often said, "It's very expensive to keep a young musician alive; applause won't keep their lights on." He never hesitated to support the rising generation of musicians, and encouraged everyone around him to do the same. Donations to this fund will supply scholarships to talented young artists dedicated to enriching the world with their creative gifts.
Leon & Karen F. Peterson Building Fund
In 2019, Leon and Karen made the single largest gift in the history of Gifted Music School, enabling the purchase of our building at 182 S 600 E in Salt Lake City, named in their honor. Donations to this fund will help enhance and maintain the Petersons' incredible gift through renovations, upkeep, and beautification.
Dorotha Sharp Smart Scholarship Fund
Dorotha Sharp Smart (1930-2020) was a talented pianist whose past teachers included the renowned Grant Johannessen; her relationship with Gifted Music School grew out of her passion for excellence in music education. She was an early supporter of GMS founder Eugene Watanabe from the beginning of his music career (at age 10), and joined the Board of Directors in 2010. Though it's difficult to live in a world without her, we honor her larger-than-life advocacy, artistry, and passion for music through this memorial fund. Donations to this fund support both need- and merit-based scholarships.
