OUR MISSION

We provide instruments to under-served youth at no cost in Austin, Texas schools and communities through need-based tuition assistance, fostering a love for the Arts through high-quality, immersive music education and performance. Our programs and events empower youth to build-self esteem on the performance stage and promotes marginalized professional musicians, artists, actors, and dancers.

ABOUT US

Providing a platform for young talent to shine while fostering a love of music & the Arts, one student at a time since 2006.

As a resident company of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center since 2019 and a district-wide fine arts learning vendor with Austin Independent School District’s performing arts center and all AISD schools since 2015, Artistic Education Company is a professional, non-profit 501(c)(3) Austin-based arts organization. Founded in 2006 by professional jazz singer, recording artist, music educator, choir & orchestra director, Monique Dacheff, also known as Monique Daché, our mission is to develop a foundation in multi-form music performance and education for marginalized communities, musicians, and creatives in Central Texas and beyond.

The organization collaborated with global and Austin, TX creatives, musicians, visual artists, and dancers to continue to share its mission. Artistic Education Company shares the power of the visual, fine, and performing arts to include theater, music, Art, and dance through numerous events and programs sponsored by individual contributors, corporations, Texas Commission of the Arts (2025), the Austin Creative Alliance (2016-2022), the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division (2016-2020), and wonderful audiences and touring sponsors. These programs include seasonal multi-form concert premieres, The Annual Artistic Glitz & Glam Concert Series, Amplifying Voices of Tomorrow, community outreach programs, pop-up masterclasses, and workshops in music, visual art, and recording studio fundamentals. From 2006 to 2021, Artistic Education Company operated as a full-time, salaried music and arts education company. COVID-19 shifted our purpose due to program cancellations during the shutdown, but we are now back stronger, committed, and dedicated.

Through its global collaborations, podcast, and Austin Glitz & Glam Concert series, Artistic Education Company brings together musicians from around the world. The company's impact extends beyond the stage, serving as an incubator for innovative music and fostering dialogue between music forms, cultures, and artists.

STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Monique Dacheff, M.Ed., Artistic Director I Director of Education l Founder

Elizabeth Billman, Board Member I Art Director

Larry Amaro, Board Member I Production Committee Chair

Christopher Meiske, Business Manager I Financial Advisor

Dan Monaco, Production Manager