The Rising Star Music Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting music education, encouraging the study and making of music, and providing opportunities for children with special needs or in under-served communities to access well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality programs of music instruction. Rising Star Music Fund was founded by Kathy Hale in 2009. Rising Star Music Fund has supported such organizations at the W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville, Big House Youth Jam, Macon, Georgia, USC Thornton School of Music Outreach ProgramWe have established the California State University, Northridge Rising Star Choir and the Belmont University Rising Star Choir for Children with Autism.Choir therapy combines music therapy with group interaction. Not only do participants have the pleasure of singing, but social interaction skills as well as self-esteem are increased. Our program begins in the Winter semester each year with an additional Fall Semester. The program is available at NO CHARGE to the participant families. We hope to be able to establish additional choirs around the country. Please help to bring the joy of music to these wonderful kids and their families.