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THE GIFT OF MUSIC

Musical talent is surely a gift, which precious few possess. Perhaps more aspiring artists would practice their abilities, if they had access to suitable musical instruments. On the other hand, many of us have idle instruments collecting dust in our homes or workplaces.

Do you have a cello, clarinet, drum set, flute, oboe, organ, piano, piccolo, tuba, violin or other musical instrument that you no longer use?

Although you might opt to market your outgrown or unused musical instrument, this process can be time consuming. In the end, you may not even recover the cost of your initial purchase.

Why not donate your musical instrument instead? Many charities exist to provide quality used musical instruments to those who cannot afford to purchase their own.

Musical instrument offers you a helpful income tax write-off, while helping to bring music to those who love it the most. In addition, the process is simple and convenient.

TAX BENEFITS

Certainly, you might find a personal friend or relative who would like to have a free musical instrument. However, very tangible tax benefits are attached to official donations of such items.

Most musical charities offer printed receipts for all donations of musical instruments. The recipient organization may provide a letter, listing the estimated value of the item. Otherwise, as a donor, you may be given an opportunity to indicate the fair market value of the donation.

In either case, you gain a helpful tax write-off for the charitable donation of your musical instrument.

HARMONY OF GIVING

Many music education programs have faced budget cuts, as charitable grants and national funding opportunities have been trimmed.

By bestowing your unused musical instrument on a suitable organization, you can be assured that your generosity will reap rich benefits in the life of a real music lover. Who knows? Perhaps the recipient of your donation will be inspired to become a concert cellist, a jazz saxophonist, a popular pianist or a rock star guitarist.

CONVENIENT DONATIONS

Donating a musical instrument is easy. In many cases, participating charitable organization offer to pick up the merchandise at your convenience. These groups will actually send staffers or shippers to collect your donated musical instrument.

You need not disassemble larger musical instruments or hire professional tuners, as you might for a direct sale.

The following organizations seek donated musical instruments. (CTRL-click on each title to view that organization's website in a new window.)

Charity Music

Collectibles with Causes

Hungry for Music

Jazz for Peace

Mima Music

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation

Operation Happy Note

Rock House Arts Foundation

Sound Art

Sphinx Music

Timeout (in the U.K.)

Tipitina's Foundation

United Kids

Of course, with a bit of personal networking or online searching, you might locate additional music-minded philanthropic outlets as well.

Whatever musical charity you choose, you may be contented to know that you have contributed to the advancement of musical talent for those who need it.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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