named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Community Engagement Programs
Initiatives bringing music to schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities, including interactive performances and workshops
Day of Art + Music at the Asheville Art Museum
Collaborative event featuring interactive performances, hands-on workshops, and immersive musical experiences in museum galleries
Decoda Chamber Music Festival
Annual summer festival at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina that trains emerging musicians in chamber music performance, mentorship, and community engagement
Winter Retreat for Adult Amateur Chamber Musicians
Annual immersive retreat at the Campus at Marlboro Music in Vermont offering coaching and collaborative music-making for adult amateurs
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 2 activities
- Hosts annual Decoda Chamber Music FestivalOrganizes a multi-day summer chamber music festival each year, now in its 12th season, that includes public performances, training for emerging musicians, and collaborative projects. The 2026 festival launched with a public concert and ran from June 15 to 26.
- Performs chamber music in diverse venuesDelivers live chamber music performances in concert halls, schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and museums, with a focus on reaching audiences who have limited or no access to live music. Performs as Carnegie Hall's Affiliate Ensemble and hosts monthly performances at the Asheville Art Museum on the third Thursday of each month.
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Music Education and Training Programs 2 activities
- Hosts winter retreat for adult amateur musiciansOrganizes an annual multi-day winter retreat in March for adult amateur chamber musicians, featuring daily coachings and side-by-side performances with Decoda artists.
- Trains emerging musicians in chamber music and community engagementProvides mentorship, coachings, and collaborative training to young and emerging musicians through the Decoda Chamber Music Festival, focusing on creative collaboration, project design, and reimagining musicians’ societal roles.
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Live Music Performances & Concerts 1 activity
- Creates immersive and interactive music-art experiencesHosts all-ages events such as the Day of Art + Music and "Arboretum in the Museum," integrating live music, workshops, and visual art-making, including an immersive musical soundscape inspired by tree species performed at the NC Arboretum and within museum spaces.
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Commissioning New Musical Works 1 activity
- Produces and records original and contemporary chamber musicCreates and performs original works, including 19 songs co-created with participants such as individuals in prison with little or no prior musical experience, and released a debut album featuring world premiere recordings and arrangements by contemporary composers.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$321K
Contributions & grants$142K44%
Program service revenue$180K56%
Investment income$60%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$394K
Program expenses93%
Admin / overhead7%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$43K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$120K
Cash$119K
Investments$0
Liabilities$2K
Net assets$117K
Liquid reserves3.6 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -30.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catherine Gregory | Director | 1 | $13K |
| Alicia Lee | Director | 1 | $12K |
| Amy Kirkland From Oct 24 | Managing Director | 25 | $12K |
board members · 7
- Benjamin Schmitt — Director
- Craig Laurie — Chairperson
- Joseph Jones — Director
- Paul Roossin — Director
- Samuel Hagen — Treasurer
- ToniMarie Marchioni — Director
- Wendy Hayes — Director
relationships · 18
Who they work with
- Asheville Art Museum Partner — Co-hosts monthly Third Thursday music events featuring Decoda Chamber Music Festival artists.
- Asheville Art Museum Partner — Collaborates with Decoda to host a Day of Art + Music featuring performances and workshops.
- Asheville Art Museum Partner — Venue and presenting partner for a joint concert with Ringdown.
- Carnegie Hall Network — Decoda is the Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall.
- Carnegie Hall Network — First ever Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall
- Carnegie Hall Network — Recognized as an Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall.
- Carnegie Hall Network — Supported Decoda's development and activities.
- Decoda Network — Professional artist group mentoring emerging musicians during the Decoda Chamber Music Festival.
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama Partner — Collaborated with Decoda on outreach programs that engaged students in chamber music presentation and performance.
- Marlboro Music Partner — Hosts the Decoda Winter Retreat at its historic campus.
- NC Arboretum Partner — Hosted Decoda's performance of "Arboretum" as part of the Decoda Chamber Music Festival.
- NYC Department of Education Partner — Partner in Ensemble Connect, a fellowship program linked to Decoda's origins.
- Ringdown Partner — Collaborative musical partner for a concert at the Asheville Art Museum and the Decoda Chamber Music Festival.
- The Juilliard School Network — Played a foundational role in nurturing Decoda's formation.
- The Juilliard School Partner — Co-founding partner in Ensemble Connect, a fellowship program that preceded Decoda's formation.
- Tippet Rise Art Center Partner — Provided a recording location and creative support for Decoda's debut album.
- Warren Wilson College Partner — Host institution for the Decoda Chamber Music Festival.
- Weill Music Institute Partner — Partner in Ensemble Connect, a fellowship program that contributed to Decoda's founding.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Artist-Led Music for Social Connection 69 orgsmethodology: artist-led music for social connectionBy engaging professional artists to lead music-making, the organization fosters compassion, human connection, and social change because authentic artistic leadership deepens emotional resonance and shared experience.shared approach: Art for Social Cohesion →
- Creative Programming for Inclusive Access and Discovery 69 orgsmethodology: creative_connectionsBy blending genres, decoding music interactively, and designing interdisciplinary experiences, the organization makes music accessible and inspiring to diverse audiences because innovative formats reduce barriers to engagement and spark wonder across cultural and social contexts.shared approach: Art for Social Cohesion →
- Mentorship Through Collaborative Practice 48 orgsmethodology: mentorship-through-collaborative-performanceBy pairing emerging musicians with professional artists in collaborative performance and co-creation, the organization develops artistic voice and agency because peer-level interaction with professionals builds confidence, skill, and a sense of belonging in the artistic community.shared approach: Artistic Mentorship Through Immersive Practice →