Empowering Communities
Through Music, Learning & Leadership
Welcome to ANAM Georgia
dedicated to providing
Expanding
our purpose
Our mission is to empower underserved children and youth, and to strengthen churches across metro Atlanta and Georgia through free music education, academic support, and music leadership training. We serve Black, immigrant, refugee, and other minority communities while welcoming children and youth from all backgrounds. Using music as a tool for personal growth, cultural connection, and educational success, we believe music is a pathway to opportunity, leadership, and lasting community impact.
Expanding our purpouse
ANAM Georgia is the U.S.-based extension of the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM), originally founded in Liberia in 2008.
Our mission is to empower underserved children, youth, and strengthen churches across metro Atlanta and Georgia through free music education, academic support, and music leadership training. We serve Black, immigrant, refugee, and other minority communities, using music as a tool for personal growth, cultural connection, and educational success. We believe music is a pathway to opportunity.
Through our Music and Learning Studio and Church Music Program, we nurture creativity, discipline, leadership, and social-emotional well-being in a safe learning environment.
We support academic growth in students as young as three, and equip local churches with trained worship leaders and musicians, creating a bridge between education and community empowerment.
Our programs support
Children and Youth
Preschoolers to teens receive free piano lessons, general music instruction, rhythm training, academic support, and homework help.
Churches
Small and mid-sized churches benefit from free training in piano, organ, drums, worship planning, choral conducting, and leadership development.
Families in Underserved Communities
We engage families through parent workshops held throughout the year. These sessions educate caregivers with tools to support their children’s learning at home, reinforcing the vital role of family involvement in student success.
Musically gifted students
Personalized coaching, performance opportunities, and mentorship to prepare talented students for professional music careers. Through real-world exposure and community engagement, we empower them.
Programs
Music Discovery Day
Date: Saturday November 29ᵗʰ 2025
Hour: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Location: First Christian Church of Atlanta, 4532 Lavista Rd, Tucker GA
ANAM Georgia launches a year-long music initiative for underserved children with Music Discovery Day, a free community event offering mini piano and ukulele lessons, drum circles, creative movement, live performances, and family workshops. Following the event, 30–50 preschool and K-5 students will access weekly music and literacy classes in schools and community centers across Metro Atlanta. This program breaks down cost and access barriers, using music to build confidence, creativity, and cross-cultural connection.
What to Expect
- Mini piano and general music lessons and rhythm games for children.
- Dance, we’ll introduce children to the joy of movement through a fun, beginner-friendly dance session.
- Interactive music circles including singing, drumming, and movement
Parent info sessions to learn more about our year-round programs. - Live demonstrations from our teaching team and student performers.
- Enrollment support for families interested in joining our Music & Learning Studio.
- Community networking with local schools, churches, and volunteers.
Who Should Attend
- Children ages 3 and up (including teens, parents, and caregivers).
- Local churches looking for music training for youth or worship leaders.
- Community members interested in volunteering or partnering with ANAM Georgia
Music & Learning Studio
Free Music and Academic Enrichment for Children and Teens
The Music & Learning Studio provides joyful, high-quality learning experiences for children ages 3 and up in Georgia. We combine free music instruction with academic support to nurture creativity, confidence, and school success—especially for students from underserved, immigrant, and refugee communities.
Program Highlights:
- Group piano and general music lessons, rhythm-based instruction.
- Storytelling circles and reading support.
- Homework help and academic coaching.
- Arts-integrated activities that spark curiosity.
- A nurturing, culturally responsive environment.
- Family engagement through seasonal workshops and resource events.
Where We Serve:
- Partner schools and daycares.
- Afterschool and Saturday community sessions across Metro Atlanta.
Free Church Music Program
Many small and mid-sized churches struggle to find skilled musicians for worship. Our Free Church Music Program helps fill that gap by training youth, and adult leaders to confidently serve in music ministry.
We Provide Hands-On Training In:
- Piano for worship settings
- Sight-reading and playing by ear
- Gospel and Jazz Piano
- Choir direction and worship planning
- Developing and leading worship teams
- Customized coaching for each church’s unique needs
Who We Serve:
- Local churches in need of music and worship support
- Volunteer musicians and aspiring youth worship leaders
ANAM Artists Incubator
The ANAM Artists Incubator is a specialized mentorship and development program that identifies musically gifted students from underserved communities and prepares them for professional music careers. Through personalized coaching, real-world exposure, and community engagement, we empower the next generation of creative leaders.
Program Highlights:
- 1-on-1 Mentorship
Students are paired with professional musicians for weekly personalized coaching and artistic guidance. - Career Readiness
Support with performance preparation, audition materials, college applications, and leadership development. - Performance OpportunitiesParticipants showcase their talents at local events, church services, concerts, and special community gatherings.
- Community Connection
We actively connect students with sponsorship opportunities, churches, and arts organizations that believe in their potential.
Who We Serve:
- Youth ages 12–21 with advanced musical talent and commitment.
- Students from low-income, immigrant, refugee, or minority backgrounds.
About Us
Empowering Children, Strengthening Churches, Uplifting Communities
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower underserved children and youth, and to strengthen churches across metro Atlanta and Georgia through free music education, academic support, and music leadership training. We serve Black, immigrant, refugee, and other minority communities while welcoming children and youth from all backgrounds. Using music as a tool for personal growth, cultural connection, and educational success, we believe music is a pathway to opportunity, leadership, and lasting community impact.
Our Vision
To build thriving communities where every child and church is empowered through music, learning, and leadership.
Legal Status
Agape National Academy of Music Inc. (ANAM Georgia) is a nonprofit charitable organization incorporated in the State of Georgia and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 92-3621684). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Copies of our IRS determination letter and most recent financial statement are available upon request.
Our Story
ANAM Georgia is the U.S.-based extension of the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM), Liberia’s first and only fully operational music school. Since its founding in 2008, ANAM has provided culturally rooted music education to more than 1,200 students in West Africa.
In 2023, we launched ANAM Georgia to create similar access to opportunity for families and churches in the U.S. While we share a mission with our Liberian counterpart, ANAM Georgia operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit with its own board, programs, and vision tailored to the unique needs of Georgia’s underserved communities.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Ora Gladstone
Acting Board Chair | Retired Music Teacher and Peace Corps Volunteer
Dr. Athi Msutu
Director, AMQ Advisory
Margareth Miguel
Professional Singer and Music Educator
Dr. Gregory (Greg) Finkbonner
Executive Staff Advisor, Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice | Adjunct Professor, Grand Canyon University
Augustin K. Brown (Gus)
Controller, Wellroot Family Services
Administrative Team
Samson S. Tarpeh
Founder | Executive Director | Minister of Music Winder First United Methodist Church
A native of Liberia, Samson S. Tarpeh is a seasoned music educator, accomplished pianist and organist, and nonprofit leader. In 2008, he founded the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM) in Monrovia, Liberia, to provide post-war communities with access to quality music education. After many years of leading ANAM in Liberia, he relocated to the United States, where he established ANAM Georgia to extend that mission to underserved children and churches across Metro Atlanta. Today, he continues to lead in both faith-based and community settings, remaining deeply committed to empowering the next generation through music, education, and leadership.
During his graduate studies at the University of Kentucky, Samson served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Community and Leadership Development, and later as a graduate assistant managing the Alternative Service Breaks program at the Center for Community Outreach. In this role, he taught a community service course and prepared undergraduate students for service projects across the United States and abroad. His master’s thesis focused on how Christian faith-based organizations in Kentucky apply systems theory through the Community Capitals Framework to community development, offering insights for both policy and practice, while informing his interest in faith-based development in Liberia. His thesis was later published as a peer-reviewed article co-authored with his academic chair: Tarpeh, Samson & Hustedde, Ronald (2020). How faith-based organizations perceive their role in community development: An exploratory study.
Samson has also worked with several refugee agencies and nonprofits in the United States, managing multiple youth development programs that supported young immigrants, Black youth, and refugee youth in becoming productive citizens through education, enrichment, and economic empowerment. He has managed programs funded by private foundations, state, and federal sources, including the Georgia Department of Human Services, the federal Matching Grant Program, and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.
He currently serves as Minister of Music at Winder First United Methodist Church in Winder, Georgia, and as Accompanist for the University of Liberia Alumni Chorus, USA. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Piano Performance from Campbellsville University in Kentucky, where he studied under Dr. M. Wesley Roberts; a Bachelor of Public Administration from the African Methodist Episcopal University in Liberia; a master’s degree in Community and Leadership Development; and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning from the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
A dedicated performer, Samson has presented numerous benefit concerts in support of ANAM across the United States and Liberia, including performances for former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. and Liberia, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Christian Elder.
He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Music Teachers National Association (Atlanta Chapter), the Community Development Society, the American Guild of Organists (Atlanta Chapter), The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, the National Association of Negro Musicians (Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter), and the American Choral Directors Association (Atlanta Chapter).
He is an active member of Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, in Monrovia, Liberia.
Volunteer Staff & Advisors
Vitaly Franko
Director of Digital Infrastructure
Katie OLeary
Finance Manager
Yuxiang Ren
Grants & International Partnerships Manager
Qijin Liu
Senior Grant Database Manager
Aswin Gunasekaran
Grant Database Manager
Rachita Dash
Research & Database Manager
Vidarshana Govilesh
Grant Database & Social Media Manager
Maria Valbuena
Web Designer
Get Involved
Join the ANAM Georgia Movement
At ANAM Georgia, we believe in the power of community to transform lives through
music, learning, and leadership. Your support helps us reach more children, equip more churches, and create lasting change.
When you volunteer, you help us:
- Provide free music lessons for children and teens.
- Fund academic enrichment and literacy materials.
- Host educational workshops for families and churches.
- Hire and train qualified teachers and volunteers.
- Expand access to students from undeserved, immigrant, and refugee communities.
- Offer church music leadership training at no cost to small and mid-sized congregations.
We are currently seeking...
Funding partners to help sustain and grow our programs
Volunteer teachers and mentors passionate about music, education, and ministry
Community collaborators, including schools, churches, and nonprofits across Georgia
Help us build a lasting legacy of empowerment through music and education.
Ready to make a difference?
Donate Online!
$25
Provides a child with one music lesson
$50
Supports literacy and academic tools
$100
Equips a church with music training and resources
Every donation opens doors to music, education, and opportunities for change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between ANAM Georgia and ANAM Liberia?
ANAM Georgia and ANAM Liberia are two separate nonprofit organizations working in partnership. ANAM Georgia was established in the U.S. to provide music education locally and to help support ANAM Liberia’s mission to bring music, literacy, and leadership development to children in Liberia.
Is ANAM Liberia part of ANAM Georgia?
No. ANAM Liberia is a distinct entity operating in Liberia. However, ANAM Georgia includes support for ANAM Liberia as part of its mission, and we collaborate closely through program design, funding, and strategic planning.
Does ANAM Georgia send money to ANAM Liberia?
Yes. A portion of ANAM Georgia’s funds—including individual donations and grants designated for international impact—are used to support ANAM Liberia. All funds are tracked, monitored, and reported in alignment with nonprofit best practices and IRS regulations.
Can I choose which program my donation supports?
Absolutely. You can choose to support:
- ANAM Georgia’s local programs
- ANAM Liberia’s music and literacy initiatives
- Or allow us to use your gift where it’s most needed
We’re grateful for your trust and are happy to share updates on the impact of your gift.
