What We Do & Why It Matters
What is the Alexandria Music Makers Scholarship Fund?
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The Alexandria Music Makers Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia. We provide need-based scholarships that connect local children with private music instruction from professional teachers, filling the gap between a family's desire to give their child a musical education and their ability to afford one.
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All children are given the opportunity to study music with a professional instructor.
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To provide scholarships to Alexandria-area children so they can take private music lessons.
Every dollar we raise goes directly to scholarships. Not overhead. Not administration. Scholarships.
Why does music education matter?
From a neuroscience perspective, the neural networks that create and process music are among the oldest in the human brain, predating speech itself. Music instruction builds cognitive pathways that strengthen learning across every discipline.
Brain Development
Research consistently shows that children who receive private music instruction develop stronger focus, patience, and self-confidence. They learn how to practice and how to persist through difficulty.
Whole-Child Growth
For many children, music becomes a constant: something that turns a hard day into a good one, a place where they belong, and a bridge to connect with others who share their passion.
Belonging and Purpose
Who We Are
We are a small, passionate group of Alexandria residents who believe every child deserves access to music education. We came from different places and arrived by different paths. Our love of music and our commitment to this community brought us together.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are governed by a volunteer board. 100% of donations fund scholarships directly.
Our Team
We came from different places and arrived by different means. Our love of music and helping others brought us together.
Joey Schneider
Fund PresidentJoey retired from the US Air Force in 2014 and is a self-employed trader and bass player. He is married to Ann and they have one music-loving child. They have called Alexandria home since 2011.
Board MemberCarlyn Butcher
Carlyn is a life-long music lover, singer, and amateur bassist. She sparked her love of singing in middle and high school choir, continuing to nurture it during her time in an all-female collegiate a cappella group at UVA. Having drifted away from performing over the years, she found her way back to music education by pursuing bass lessons as an adult. Though she believes it’s never too late to learn, she recognizes the importance of early music education in a child’s life and is passionate about making it accessible for every child, just as it was for her. She currently resides in Alexandria with her music-loving husband, kids, and fur kids.
Founding Board MemberJames (Jim) McGillivray, Lt Col, USA, Ret.
Jim was orignially from the Chicago area. His musical interests ranged from bagpipes to bluegrass, and he loved spending time in the hills and hollers of the Shenandoah Valley. Sadly, Jim passed away in August 2023, but his love of music and access to it for all children lives on through the AMMSF Jim McGillivray Scholarship.
Debbie Wells
Secretary & TreasurerDebbie Wells recently retired from as Vice President for Administration and Finance for Lewis-Burke Associates LLC, a lobbying and consulting firm advocating for the interests of higher education and scientific research. Debbie has lived in Alexandria for 40 years, has owned her own business in the city, and has served in a number of volunteer non-profit leadership roles including Chair of The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, Director of the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau and President of Alexandria Crew Boosters. Debbie has two grown sons, Trevor and Bryan whom both have a passion for music. Bryan and his family reside in Alexandria.
Board MemberAnn Schneider
Ann retired from the US Air Force in 2020 and now is a Deputy at MTSI. She loves music and probably would have won big on "Name That Tune." She is married to Joey and they have one music-loving child. They have called Alexandria home since 2011.
