Launch the Magnolia Music School in Oakland
Donation protected
Help Launch the Magnolia Music School in Oakland!
Hi friends, family, and neighbors, I am excited to share something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time — the launch of the Magnolia Music School in Oakland, CA!
After over 15 years of teaching music to kids in the East Bay, I'm creating a place where kids can make music, build confidence, and be part of something special. The Magnolia Music School will offer private lessons, group classes, and community choirs for kids ages 6–18 — all in a space that's welcoming, creative, and full of love. I’ve been teaching private lessons from my home studio, running the choir out of a local church, and holding camps in various backyards. But now it’s time for Magnolia Music School to have a space of its own—a warm, welcoming place where kids can make music, build confidence, and feel a true sense of belonging.
With a dedicated home, we’ll be able to offer group classes, reach more students, and invite other amazing teachers to join the team.
Why I'm Raising Funds
Starting a school from scratch is a big project, and I could use some help getting it off the ground. I'm raising funds to cover things like:
- First months' rent and deposit for our new space
- Instruments and classroom gear
- Signs and branding to help people find us
- Website updates and admin tools to keep everything organized
- Marketing and outreach to connect with new families
- Support for sliding-scale tuition, so every child who wants to join can be part of the music
These basics will help the Magnolia Music School open with confidence and stay focused on what matters: the kids and the music.
What This Will Mean
Music has the power to change lives.
At the Magnolia Music School, kids won’t just learn how to play and sing — they'll learn how to trust themselves, work with others, and express who they are. It's about building skills and confidence that stick with them way beyond the classroom.
How You Can Help
Donate if you’re able — every little bit helps!
Share this campaign with friends, family, and anyone who believes in making music more accessible to kids. Send encouragement — starting something new is thrilling and also a little nerve-wracking, and your support means the world.
Thank-You Gifts
Your support helps Magnolia Music School take root, grow, and thrive. I’m so excited to thank you with the following:
- Seedlings – Gifts of $25–$249 You’ll be invited to our School-Warming Party, with live music by students (and me!) and refreshments and fun prizes as we celebrate the opening of the school together.
- Blooms – Gifts of $250–$999 You’ll be invited to the party, and your name will be included in a special wall art piece at Magnolia Music School—a blooming tribute to the community that helped us take root.
- Magnolia Circle – Gifts of $1,000 or more Includes all of the above, plus one of five custom songs I’ll be writing and recording. You’ll fill out a short form to share who the song is for (yourself or someone you love), and I’ll create something personal that reflects their personality, story, or spirit.
What Former Students Say
“Although I had spent years singing and playing piano and guitar before starting lessons with Kat, it was playing and singing with her that truly ignited my love and passion for music. Practice no longer felt like a chore; instead, I found myself spending hours on my own because I genuinely loved what I was doing. Kat gave me the freedom and guidance I needed to fully discover and nurture that passion.” – Mina, age 21
“Summers singing and playing music with Kat are some of my most treasured memories.” – Sophia, age 21
“Lessons with Kat taught me to express myself through music — a tool I carry with me in all aspects of life.” – Cleo, age 18
"When I think back to memories of playing guitar, Kat is always right there with me, harmonizing, smiling, and inspiring me to keep playing." - Jayk, 19
“I’m confident enough to sing and play with new friends in college and even post online.” – Kali, age 19
“She really helps you love the music.” – Dorian, age 21
“Her kindness and respect while teaching prepared me to work in a professional musical theater environment.” – Scarlett, age 17
Thank you for reading, for cheering me on, and for believing in this dream. I truly believe that music brings people together — and with your help, Magnolia Music School will become a place where kids can learn, create, and grow together.
With love and gratitude, Kat
P.S. Want to follow along as the school takes shape? I’ll be sharing updates, music, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram @magnoliamusicschool — come say hi!
Organizer
Kat White
Organizer
Oakland, CA