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Studio School of Music

EIN 46-4916791 · Richardson, TX

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong100 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

At The Studio School of Music, our mission is to inspire and empower individuals through the transformative power of music education. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality musical instruction, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. Our aim is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community where students of all ages can discover, develop, and express their musical talents, fostering a lifelong love and appreciation for music.

Income
$849,727
Spending
$447,400
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
41.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 83%
Employees
1
Volunteers
100
Highest pay
$156,000, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 41.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 47% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 1% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (arts and culture, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $437,400 spent. Music Education Services: The Studio School of Music provides comprehensive music education to students of all ages through individual lessons, group classes, and ensemble programs. Our professional instructors offer instruction in various instruments including piano, guitar, voice, drums, and other musical instruments. The program serves over 75 students annually, providing high-quality musical instruction regardless of students' background or financial circumstances. Students develop musical skills, performance abilities, and lifelong appreciation for music. Many of our students have become self-sufficient musicians and music professionals. The program generates revenue through tuition and lesson fees, which directly support the organization's educational mission.
  2. $8,000 spent. Management and Administrative Support for Music Programs: The organization's management and administrative staff provide essential support services that directly enhance the delivery of music education programs. This includes program coordination, student enrollment management, scheduling of lessons and classes, maintenance of educational facilities and equipment, and oversight of educational quality standards. Staff members work to ensure optimal learning environments, coordinate student performances and recitals, and provide administrative support that enables instructors to focus on delivering high-quality music education. This administrative program component is essential to achieving the organization's educational mission and maintaining program excellence.
  3. $2,000 spent. Fundraising and Community Engagement Programs: The organization conducts fundraising events and community engagement activities that directly support and enhance its music education mission. These programs include the annual Feed the Need Gala and AYP (Annual Youth Program) events, which provide performance opportunities for students while raising funds to support educational programs. These events serve dual educational purposes by giving students real-world performance experience and community engagement opportunities while generating support for music education programs. Approximately 15% of staff time is dedicated to organizing these events, which create valuable learning experiences for students and strengthen community connections to music education.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since June 2013.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.