Rosie’s House

What Rosie’s House does

Rosie's House: A Music Academy for Children is a Phoenix-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 that delivers 100% tuition-free music education to income-eligible youth from infancy through grade 12 in the Greater Phoenix metro area. The organization operates three core programs — Early Childhood (Start With Music for infancy to age 3, Music Exploration for ages 4–5), Afterschool (grades 1–12, audition-based private lessons in piano, strings, winds; Orchestra Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Teen Choir, Digital Music, Guitar, and Mariachi), and a Summer Music Program — delivered through an 18,000 sq ft dedicated downtown Phoenix campus and a Mesa satellite location at Child Crisis Arizona. In the most recent year, Rosie's House served over 820 students, delivered 31,000+ free music lessons, loaned 600+ instruments, and provided 8,000+ healthy meals to students. Wraparound services include free mental health counseling via a Terros Health partnership, homework help at the Burton Digital Creativity Center, and a College Path program that has achieved 100% college/career goal attainment for seniors over the past six years.

The organization is 100% funded by contributed revenue from grants, individual donors, and corporate partners, with an annual operating budget of approximately $2.5 million. Its technology stack is built entirely on third-party SaaS: DreamClass serves as the student/family portal (iOS/Android, bilingual), TFA Forms handles enrollment and volunteer workflows, Calendly supports college-advising scheduling, Canva distributes the student handbook, and Mailchimp powers segmented email communications. Strategic revenue streams include a four-tier corporate sponsorship program (Title $25K through Encore $2.5K), an annual Ovation Gala that raised a record $500,000 in April 2026, recurring monthly giving aligned with Arizona QCO tax credits, the Fermata Circle planned-giving society, building rental of the 155-capacity performance hall and studios, and corporate matching-gift and United Way workplace-giving channels.

Rosie's House also presents Make Music Phoenix, an annual free citywide music celebration on June 21 that spans 20+ venues, 10+ ZIP codes, and 100+ artists, serving roughly 20,000 attendees as the organization's primary brand-awareness and community-engagement engine. Leadership is provided by CEO Becky Bell Ballard, Development Director Jack Schwimmer, Program & Community Engagement Director Marvin Scott, and Communications & Marketing Manager Lilly Gonzalez. The organization has flagship financial backing from the Burton Family Foundation ($250,000+ tier, Title Sponsor of the 2025 Ovation Gala), Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and is governed independently with no parent company.

Name

Rosie’s House

Legal name

Rosie's House: A Music Academy for Children

Website

https://rosieshouse.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rosie's House is a Phoenix-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing 100% free music education to over 820 income-eligible youth annually from infancy through grade 12, funded entirely by grants, individual donations, and corporate sponsors via an 18,000 sq ft downtown campus.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Contributed Revenue (Grants, Individual & Corporate Giving): Primary funding model. 100% funded by grants, individuals and corporate partners; annual operating budget of approximately $2.5 million. Major donor tiers ranging from $1,000 to $250,000+ (The Burton Family Foundation, Karen and David Divine at the top tier). Includes recurring monthly gifts (e.g., $42/$84 per month), major gifts, and QCO-eligible contributions.
2. Special Event Fundraising (Ovation Gala): Annual black-tie gala at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia with nearly 400 attendees; tiered sponsorships (Standing Ovation, Encore, Bravo, Applause, Table, Event) plus ticket sales and live/silent auctions. 30th Annual Ovation Gala raised a record-breaking $500,000 in April 2026.
3. Planned Giving / Legacy Gifts (Fermata Circle): Charitable gift annuities, bequests in wills or trusts, beneficiary designations, and gifts of real estate or appreciated assets. Members receive recognition in publications, invitations to special gatherings, and personalized legacy planning support.
4. Building Rental Income: Rental of performance hall (155 capacity) and individual studios for recordings, podcasts, workshops, and private events; requires two-week advance reservation, liability waiver, and use-fee invoice. Spaces unavailable during program hours (Mon–Thu 4–8 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.–1 p.m.).
5. Corporate Matching Gifts & Community Rewards: Employer matching gift programs, Fry's Food Stores Community Rewards (HCC Code: BL721), United Way workplace giving (Agency Code: 0839), and direct stock transfers to [email protected].
6. Make Music Phoenix Sponsorship: Sponsorships and in-kind contributions supporting the annual citywide Make Music Day celebration, including presenting sponsors (SRP), supporters (Arizona Commission on the Arts, City of Phoenix Arts and Culture Department) and in-kind instrument/material sponsors (Vic Firth, RBI, East:Top Harmonicas, As You Wish Pottery, Kneaders, OdySea Aquarium, Scheels).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Rosie's House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit music academy that provides 100% tuition-free music education to income-eligible youth from infancy through grade 12 in Phoenix, Arizona. The academy delivers Early Childhood, Afterschool, and Summer programs across disciplines including piano, strings, winds, percussion, guitar, choir, digital music, and mariachi, and supplies free instruments, instruction, and meals to enrolled students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Make Music Phoenix: Annual citywide, free music celebration presented by Rosie's House every June 21, featuring 100+ artists across 20+ venues and 10+ Phoenix ZIP codes.
• Fermata Circle
• Mental Health & Wellness Initiative
• Play It Forward

Products and services

• Early Childhood Music Program (Start With Music & Music Exploration) Tuition-free early childhood music programming for income-eligible Arizona families. Start With Music (infancy-age 3) integrates music therapy principles through a board-certified music therapist, and Music Exploration (ages 4-5) extends developmentally appropriate music instruction. Includes free meals and free instruments.
• Afterschool Music Program Tuition-free afterschool music program for income-eligible youth in grades 1-12, delivered Monday-Thursday 3:30-8:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM at the Phoenix campus. Offers private lessons by audition (piano, strings, winds), Orchestra Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Teen Choir, Digital Music, Guitar, and Mariachi. Includes wraparound supports such as homework help, mental health resources, and instrument loans.
• Summer Music Program Tuition-free summer music intensive for income-eligible youth grades 1-12, providing daily music instruction plus 8,000+ healthy meals served annually through St. Mary's Food Bank partnership.
• College Path Program College and career readiness program for Rosie's House high school students in grades 9-12, providing advising on applications, essays, and financial aid. Available free to currently enrolled students.
• Mental Health & Wellness Initiative Free mental and behavioral health services for Rosie's House students and families, including counseling, support groups, medication services, and child & teen evaluations delivered in partnership with Terros Health. Includes trauma-informed staff training and student/family referrals.
• Ovation Gala (Annual Fundraising Event) Annual black-tie fundraising gala bringing nearly 400 philanthropists, corporate partners, and community leaders. Features tiered sponsorships (Standing Ovation, Encore, Bravo, Applause, Table, Event), ticket sales, and live/silent auctions to raise operating support.
• Make Music Phoenix (Annual Citywide Event) Annual free citywide music festival produced by Rosie's House on June 21 (Make Music Day), activating 20+ partner venues across 10+ Phoenix ZIP codes with 70+ free music activities and 100+ artists, reaching nearly 20,000 community members annually.
• Building Rental Services Rental of the 155-capacity Performance Hall and individual music studios at the downtown Phoenix campus for recordings, podcasts, workshops, and private events. Available to community members, music groups, and nonprofits at published fee rates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 31,000+ free music lessons delivered annually
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, major and minor.

• Terros HealthflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the Mental Health & Wellness Initiative providing Rosie's House students and families free mental and behavioral health services including counseling, support groups, medication services, and child & teen evaluations. Provides two Phoenix-area health center locations (27th Ave, Stapley Dr). Includes trauma-informed training for Rosie's House staff.
• Higher Octave HealingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesigned and leads the Start With Music early childhood curriculum, integrating music therapy principles. Classes are planned and led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist.
• Child Crisis Arizona (Center for Child & Family Wellness)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHosts Rosie's House's Start With Music early childhood program at its Mesa facility (424 W. Rio Salado Pkwy), extending program reach into the East Valley.
• St. Mary's Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides nutritious meals to Rosie's House Summer Music Program students, enabling 8,000+ healthy meals served annually.
• DreamClasscoreTechnology or IntegrationCommunication portal platform used by current students and families to view class schedules, receive announcements, send emails to teachers, access class materials and view progress reports. Mobile iPhone/Android compatible, bilingual English/Spanish support documentation.
• Valley Metro Light RailcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides free Valley Metro day passes (while supplies last) at Make Music Phoenix Kickoff and hosts live music on its light rail route during the celebration.
• Arizona OperamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgramming Partner for Make Music Phoenix hosting Voices & Strings at Wittcoff Black Box (1636 N Central Ave) featuring Sparkle and Dazzle, Opera for Lunch, and Circle Singing workshop.
• Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgramming Partner for Make Music Phoenix offering free Family Field Trip on June 21, 2026 with admission for up to two adults and all children ages 4–18.
• Heard MuseummajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgramming Partner hosting Indigenous music programming during Make Music Phoenix on June 21, 2026 featuring Ryon Polequaptewa and Darryl Tonemah in the Encanto Room.
• Fry's Food StoresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFry's Community Rewards program (HCC Code: BL721) lets shoppers direct cash rewards to Rosie's House at no cost to the customer; Fry's donated $4 million to Arizona nonprofits through this program last year.
• Valley of the Sun United WayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorkplace giving channel allowing donors to direct United Way contributions to Rosie's House (Agency Code: 0839).
• Vic FirthminorOthersIn-kind Sponsor of Make Music Phoenix — donates mallets for the Flowerpot Music workshop.
• RBI (Rhythm Band Instruments)minorOthersIn-kind Sponsor of Make Music Phoenix — donates Early Childhood percussion instruments for Boomwhackers Percussion Party.
• East:Top HarmonicasminorOthersIn-kind Sponsor of Make Music Phoenix — donates harmonicas for the Julian G. Davis harmonica workshop giveaway.
• Phoenix Center for the Arts / Thunderbird Arts CentermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts Music Discovery during Make Music Phoenix at both Downtown Main Campus (1202 N 3rd St) and Thunderbird Arts Center (1106 E. Grovers Ave, Phoenix).
• XicomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts Music Playground at Arizona Center (455 N 3rd St, Suite 1130) during Make Music Phoenix featuring Flowerpot Music, Boomwhackers, harmonica workshops and live performances.
• Fushicho DaikominorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts free Taiko drumming workshops at the Dojo on Grand Avenue (925 Grand Ave, Phoenix) during Make Music Phoenix. Arizona Commission on the Arts roster artist.
• Children's Museum of PhoenixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts Early Childhood Music Exploration (ages 0-8) featuring Higher Octave Healing's Start With Music program during Make Music Phoenix.
• Spaces of OpportunityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosts Make Music Day, Juneteenth and Father's Day community jam at Spaces of Opportunity Garden (1200 W Vineyard Rd, Phoenix) on June 21, 2026.
• Greenwood BrewingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosts Garden Grooves live music performance at the brewery (922 N 5th St, Phoenix) during Make Music Phoenix.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Harmony Project: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing free, year-long music instruction and instruments to underserved youth. Most directly comparable peer: tuition-free model, instruments provided, intensive after-school programming, and college-pathway outcomes for income-eligible students.
• Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock): National nonprofit that partners with underserved public schools to provide free music instruction, instruments, and teacher training. Comparable in mission (eliminate barriers to music education), funding model (grants + corporate sponsors), and outcome measurement (student persistence).
• Education Through Music: New York-based nonprofit that places music instructors in underserved partner schools, delivering free, year-long music education to K-8 students. Comparable in partner-school delivery, contributed-revenue funding, and wraparound supports for low-income youth.
• Settlement Music School: Philadelphia-based nonprofit community music school founded in 1908 offering affordable music instruction, lessons, and ensembles regardless of ability to pay. Comparable as a long-running community music school with need-based scholarships, multiple disciplines, and wraparound supports.
• Community Music Center of Boston: Boston-based nonprofit providing sliding-scale and tuition-free music lessons, ensembles, and summer programming for students of all ages. Comparable as a multi-decade community music education nonprofit with permanent facility and broad curriculum.
• Midori & Friends: NYC-based nonprofit providing free, high-quality music education and performance opportunities to underserved public school students. Comparable in mission, school-based delivery, donor-funded model, and focus on measurable student outcomes.
• Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation: National nonprofit that donates new and refurbished musical instruments to underserved schools, students, and music programs. Comparable as a contributor of free instruments and direct grantmaker addressing access barriers to music education.

Broad incumbents

• Carnegie Hall — Weill Music Institute: Education and social impact arm of Carnegie Hall producing free concerts, music-education programs and residencies in underserved schools nationally. Comparable as a high-profile music-education program portfolio for youth, but operating at a much larger scale as part of a broader presenting institution.

Others

• National Guild for Community Arts Education: Service organization representing community music and arts schools nationwide, providing accreditation, advocacy, and professional development. Comparable as the umbrella ecosystem Rosie's House belongs to; enables benchmarking and peer convening.

Emerging players

• El Sistema USA (and affiliates): Network of programs inspired by Venezuela's El Sistema, providing intensive, ensemble-based music education to children from low-income communities. Comparable in intensive tuition-free model and youth-development outcomes, but typically delivers through orchestral/nucleo programming rather than multi-discipline curriculum.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCN6dBcFcHppKenNTKTnIULQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/Rosieshouse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rosies-house
• Instagraminstagram.com/rosieshousemusic

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rosie’s House