Who we are
We believe that music is the infrastructure for human thriving.
When students of have access to music education, they benefit from improved mental health, improved engagement with other academic subjects, and improved community feeling.
A review of an IAMF Program from Lupine Community Charter School in Gresham, Oregon
The Story Behind EIMI
Allison Wilkinson is a veteran music teacher, music psychologist, author, and the Executive Director of the I Am Music Foundation. Her book, Making Musicians: A Teacher’s Guide to Emotionally Intelligent Music Instruction, published by GIA Publications, has become a foundational text for educators seeking to teach music as a tool for human development rather than performance alone.
With roots in music psychology and a professional association with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Allison brings together cutting-edge research and practical classroom application. The I Am Music Foundation was born from a simple observation: the students who need music most are the ones least likely to receive it.
Today, IAMF works to close that gap—training teachers, developing curriculum, and building research partnerships that prove what music educators have always known: music changes lives.
Emotionally Intelligent Music Instruction
Most music programs are built around performance: learn the piece, play the concert, compete at festival. There is value in that model, but it leaves many students behind—especially those in under-resourced schools where specialist music teachers simply don’t exist.
EIMI turns this model on its head. In our framework, music is not the destination—it is the vehicle. The destination is a whole, healthy, resilient student. Every lesson is designed to develop both musical skill and social-emotional competency: persistence, curiosity, emotional regulation, empathy, and self-awareness.
Because EIMI is designed for classroom teachers—not just music specialists—it can be implemented in any school, regardless of budget or staffing. That is what makes it scalable. And that is what makes it urgent.
Ready to Bring Music to Your Classroom?
Our Commitment to Accountability
The I Am Music Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We are committed to financial transparency, responsible governance, and measurable impact.
Allison Wilkinson
Mary Marshall, PhD
Allison Wilkinson is the Executive Director of IAMF, and the author of many books on music psychology, including Making Musicians: A Teacher’s Guide to Emotionally Intelligent Music Instruction.
Mary Marshall is the Treasurer of IAMF, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. She provides financial oversight experience and ensures responsible fiscal stewardship.
Amy Aivaliotis
Penny Godwin
Amy Aivaliotis is the Secretary for the IAMF board. A polymath with an impressive array of administrative knowledge and skills, she communicates with partners and funders.
Penny Godwin is the prospective Stategic Director of IAMF. Her breadth of experience in rural affairs, charitable estate planning, and neurodiversity give her a special insight to our work.
Relevant policy papers
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Honestly is always the best policy to read more on how the IAMF deals with conflicts of interest:
Policy Here
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We are careful to observe both research and board ethics. To read more about how the IAMF maintains the highest ethical standard:
Policy Here
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Money represents opportunities for students they wouldn’t have had before. We take that very seriously. To learn more about how the IAMF oversees their finances:
Policy Here
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We want to hold our board members, employees, and volunteers to a high standard of behavior. To learn more about how the IAMF deals with conduct:
Policy Here
Contact us
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