About iAM MUSIC
By artists, for artists
iAM MUSIC is a music ecosystem founded by working musicians: a creative hub for collaboration through empowerment, education and events in Durango and the Four Corners.
Founded 2013 · Durango, CO · 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Who we are
Our mission
iAM MUSIC is an ecosystem founded by artists for artists, serving as a creative hub for collaboration through empowerment, education and events. We’re always innovating and evolving to stay current with the wider music community.
01
Empowers, educates and connects underserved youth
02
Elevates and showcases career-minded musicians
03
Hosts events that stimulate the local creative economy
Our vision
We cultivate driven, self-actualizing artists and leaders who inspire change through positive rhythms and actions. Our collaborative ecosystem sustains a network of organic relationships that sparks the fire in the next generation of musicians, locally, regionally and globally.
Our story
From a tour van to an ecosystem
The “iAM” began as Independent Artist Management, a by-artists-for-artists cooperative. Today the name is an affirmation of the organization’s deepest goals and principles.
2011
After years of relentless touring with Colorado band Hello Dollface, bassist Jesse Ogle and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ashley Edwards found Independent Artist Management, a networking and tour-management co-op for unsigned musicians pursuing careers in original music.
2013
iAM MUSIC Outreach begins with “passion presentations” at youth correction facilities, alternative education programs and project-based schools. It grows into accredited band coaching and full music education at schools across La Plata County, with free instruments, rehearsal space and gear.
2015
iAM MUSIC Fest! launches as a benefit festival, recycling funding back into education while bringing world-class independent musicians, artists and local businesses together in the Southwest.
2017
The iNDIGO Room listening space joins the iAM MUSIC studio, an intimate, independent venue for songwriter series, jams, workshops and a Saturday Concert Series.
2020
iAM MUSIC becomes an established living-wage employer in Colorado, producing 50+ events a year and hiring 200+ musicians, with revenue reinvested into the next generation.
Today: 500+ young people reached through outreach, 373 students learning in our studio and about 5,000 people at our events each year.
Our philosophy
The heartbeat of iAM MUSIC
We inspire each musician to discover and explore creative expression, with roots in community and social entrepreneurship. People and cultures around the world use music for collective healing, and we bring that intention into how we teach and share music.
Our coaches are working artist-entrepreneurs with thousands of hours of real-world experience. Students learn to speak the language of music, work together, set and reach goals, and perform alongside professionals. Coaches and students alike, we’re all evolving on the path together.
“There is no limit on what is possible if we get out of our own way and let creativity be the guide.”
Ashley Edwards, Co-Founder
What we do
Empowerment, education and events
Lessons & coaching
Private lessons and band coaching for all ages and levels, taught by local professional musicians.
Outreach
Free, zero-obstacle music programs in La Plata County schools and youth programs.
Our team
Meet the staff
Ashley Edwards
Co-Founder · Creative Ambassador & Strategy
Jesse Ogle
Co-Founder · Co-Executive Director, Programs & Development
Julianne Marqua
Co-Executive Director & Events Manager
Sam Kelly
Marketing, Events, IT & Web
Shainna Allen
Sponsorship
Kelly Young
Bookkeeper
Clarke Reid
Outreach Specialist
Dana Ariel
Outreach Specialist
Be part of the story
Your support puts instruments in students’ hands, keeps lessons affordable and keeps the music playing in Southwest Colorado.
Stay in the loop
Get show announcements, student showcases and iAM MUSIC news.