Recycled Tunes enriches the lives of underserved music students by providing access to instruments and other musical equipment.

Every Child Deserves Access to an Instrument.

Giving New Life to Music, One Instrument at a Time

Recycled Tunes is a community-driven program founded in 2013 by the Gasparilla Music Foundation. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide new and refurbished musical instruments to Title 1 schools and youth music programs across Tampa Bay. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a movement that empowers students, supports teachers, and strengthens the role of music in education.

Through generous donations and community support, we give instruments a second life, transforming them into tools of inspiration and creativity in the hands of young musicians. Each guitar strummed, violin bowed, or trumpet blown opens doors to self-expression, confidence, and opportunity.

Tad Denham of Recycled Tunes by the Gasparilla Music Foundation delivers donated instruments to elementary students in Tampa, Florida. Students pose with violins and a cello in their classroom, smiling alongside Tad after receiving the instruments.

Music Matters

““When we sing or create music, we use all parts of the brain: left, right, front, and back. All these parts collaborate. That is very unique! Music is complex; that is, it uses so many aspects of a persons being.””
— Hanne Deneire, Composer

Change a Kid’s Life

Learn how to get involved, donate, and more!

Have an old instrument you no longer play? We will clean it up and find it a new home with a future music maker!

A Tampa student plays an electric guitar donated and repaired by Recycled Tunes by Gasparilla Music Foundation at a Recycled Tunes event in Tampa
Tad Denham of Recycled Tunes is pictured with the band director of Tomlin Middle School dropping off used, repaired, and donated instruments

Teachers… We Can Help!

We’ve Got Your Back, So You Can Focus On Teaching

At Recycled TUnes, we’re here to ensure music education stays alive and thriving in your classroom. Our goal is to support you every step of the way by providing the tools and services you need, free of charge.

What We Offer:

  • Musical Instruments - New and gently used, ready to play.

  • Repairs & Maintenance - We’ve got it covered from broken strings, to full tune-ups.

  • Essential Supplies - Music stands, reeds, tuners, and more!

  • Encouragement & Support - We know how hard you work and are here for you.

  • & More - If you need it, ask!

It’s simple. Just fill out our TEACHER REQUEST FORM and let us know what you need. We will take care of the rest so you can stay focused on what matters most: inspiring the next generation of musicians.