The history of the Southern Highland Music Foundation (SHMF) is the collected story of generations of families that created the communities in the northeast Georgia Mountains.
SHMF’s headquarters is based in Georgia’s Rabun County, home of the famous Foxfire school which preserves and promotes the Appalachian culture of homesteading, art, music and crafts.
What We Do.
Southern Highland Music Foundation (SHMF) is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and reinforcing the positive effects of music in our communities. Since its founding in 2013, our main focus has been providing assistance to public school music programs. Our support is funded by individual donations and through grants from the Georgia Council for the Arts.
How We Do It.
SHMF’s approach to music education is unique because we build upon the student’s interest and encourage peer-to-peer sharing of knowledge which reinforces the learning process. This model of hands-on learning was the corner stone of the renowned Foxfire School. While the Foxfire music program ended many years ago, SHMF continues its musical heritage.
And the Result?
SHMF’s success in partnering with public school music programs has resulted in increased classroom teacher support, new instrument and equipment donations and production of professional-grade studio recording projects.
And Don’t Forget Scholarships!
Through private donations, SHMF maintains a scholarship program to assist students who do not have the financial resources to receive private instruction.
Join Us In Our Mission
Help us fulfill our mission to provide comprehensive music instruction to students of all ages.