Hi I'm Holly Tate, a voice & piano teacher at A Cup of Rainbows in Mableton, GA. I created this holiday fundraiser to kickstart a piano scholarship in memory of my friend and former accompanist, David Elliott.

This scholarship helps students ages 5-12 years who need help paying for piano lessons. It’s for kids who love music, and who need extra encouragement, empowerment, and support like David gave me over the years. (More about David below)

This piano scholarship can make a difference far beyond music skills. Piano lessons and performances build self-belief, promote resilience, and nurture self expression. They help students feel happier, calmer & more confident - both onstage and off.

David would have loved a project like this! He had such a huge heart for people, and especially for kids. For years he and his wife, Yvette, were foster parents. And he adopted the name "Uncle David" as a way of claiming my daughter as family. David always asked me about my students. And while I’m not the pianist he was, he always encouraged my piano teaching, like he encouraged me about everything else. (Story below)

If you’re a music lover or remember David & his music fondly, please donate what you can, share our mission, and encourage others to get involved.

This scholarship will give some former piano students the opportunity to return after parents have lost work, as well as opening the door for new students who struggle financially and can't afford lessons.

I'll be matching donations with time, so your donation makes double the impact on their lesson tuition. You can donate any amount - every bit adds up!

If you know me personally and would prefer to use Zelle, Cash app, Venmo or a check to bypass GoFundMe processing fees, just contact me and I'll send details.

More scholarship details below, but first a little about David.

ABOUT DAVID ELLIOTT

David Elliott was an amazing pianist and my accompanist for more than 15 years. We performed together for church services, weddings, and even a Christmas toy fundraiser concert - one reason I think this season is perfect to honor his memory.

More importantly, David was my dear friend, and my greatest supporter for 30 years. David believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. His unconditional love and infinite encouragement healed many of my emotional wounds. His passion and joy inspired me to greater heights as a musician and as a teacher.

He taught me about the 2 greatest superpowers music holds: inspiration & elevation.

He knew that music had the power to

That's just the tip of the iceberg, but hopefully paints a picture of his belief in the magic of music.

While David is no longer with us in person, he’s very much part of my daily teaching experience and methodology. And while he was here, he often asked about my students. He would love this scholarship project.

Together, we can honor David’s legacy - his passion for music and for uplifting people - by sharing his values & ideals with young pianists - especially those who need a little extra love and encouragement, like David provided for me.

Your generosity and thoughtfulness helps me “pay it forward” and nurture young music lovers… not for the sake of being the next child-prodigy mastering Mozart or Chopin, but much more valuable musical gifts...

The world today needs that.

Kids need that.

If these values align with your own, or if you remember David as fondly as I do, please contribute what you can to his memorial scholarship - every dollar makes a difference!

And please share this scholarship info with your friends, family, and coworkers to give young students the gift of music.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

This scholarship provides weekly 30-minute music lessons for young music lovers, ages 4-12yrs. Students can also participate in quarterly performances in our community.

Our performances include fun recitals and events that benefit the community, like our February performance at a long-term care center for senior citizens. We also have piano parties to celebrate and learn together!

In addition to musical training & performance skills, each lesson also includes self love & mindset coaching to improve self esteem, build self confidence, and cultivate a positive relationship with challenges, resilience, and perseverance.

HOW IT WORKS

Scholarships will be given to one or more students, based on the number of students applying, the amount of financial need, and the amount of funds available.

Students will be chosen based on

Recipient Benefits: This scholarship offers weekly 30-minute voice lessons for all ages, plus opportunities to perform in fun community recitals, like our February event to entertain seniors in a long-term care center. Lessons also include self-love & mindset coaching to boost confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Students are also invited to fun workshops & advanced masterclasses.

THE FUTURE...

I envision expanding from 2 scholarships (see also the Natalie Clark Voice Scholarship), into a nonprofit organization that can serve more students in various creative & inspirational programs including music, arts, meditation & more.

But for now, we start where we are - and like the starfish story, we make a difference for one student at a time.

THANK YOU for your kindness & generosity and for helping me fulfill A Cup of Rainbows' Mission: to share good vibes and magical moments through the power of positivity, creativity, meditation & inspiration!