Dr. Portia Carter
Dr. Portia Carter is a donor to the AMP organization, as well as the mother of one our most recent graduates, Marlee Carter (AMP Violin '26). Here, Dr. Carter discusses her AMP experience and why she will continue to support the organization, beyond her daughter's participation.
How did you first hear about the Atlanta Music Project? or What first drew you to the Atlanta Music Project?
As soon as my daughter's freshman year in high school started, she began to ask me about summer plans. She did not want to stay at home but wanted to be in a camp somewhere. I was determined to assist her in this desire of hers. I immediately started doing online research and came across the Atlanta Music Project as well as other organizations. I was out of town when the open house was done, but I sent my husband to do some research and he was blown away. That was the beginning of this awesome journey and we have not looked back since. It is truly a gem! We have realized that no other program compares and that is why she has returned year after year!
Is there someone in your life who got you involved/interested in youth development?
I have always had an affinity towards youth development. I believe I got that from my mom and other family members who were educators and had that sense of service to youth. That urge was strong before I had my twins but really escalated after their births. Doing all that I can do for youth satisfies two things for me. It enhances my self-worth and magnifies my purpose in life. I also feel that the student benefits as well to know that someone really cares about their well-being. I have a strong urge to stay involved in any way that I can and I plan to do just that as I transition into retirement at some point in my life.
What originally inspired you to donate to the Atlanta Music Project? Why is it important that the community support AMP?
When my daughter was accepted into her first summer camp with The Atlanta Music Project, I just knew there had to be some cost with all that was being offered. I was used to paying in excess of $800 for one week of summer camp. These kids were getting full day supervision with instruction from talented, performing artists and teachers. This alone is priceless. I kept looking for an invoice until I just wrote a note to say, how much do I owe. When I was told that there was no cost to attend and the only thing needed was a full commitment from the student and the family, we signed on the dotted line! My daughter was accepted into the Senior Youth Orchestra and the AMP Academy for the upcoming year and there was still no cost. She was getting first class private lessons and group instruction with quality instruments and still no cost! Any parent who pays for private lessons knows that the expense can be exorbitant. We did not have to pay anything for this experience so I felt compelled to give back to the program at least part of the money I would have been paying if she was not part of this program. I will continue to give back even though my daughter has graduated because no amount of money can replace what she has gained being part of the Atlanta Music Project. No amount is too small and I hope more parents start to feel the same as the Carter Family. We must help to support these programs any way that we can!
How would you describe AMP to someone else?
When I talk to people about the Atlanta Music Project, their first response is that my child does not want to be a musician or major in music in college. I let them know that although it is a music program, there are some students who go off to college who do not pursue music as a career/major. They still will benefit from a program as such because there are other skills that they acquire. The rigorous training that they get helps to develop discipline to excel in their academic worlds. So the Atlanta Music Project not only creates musicians but introduces them to opportunities to develop a love of music with the potential to increase confidence, IQ/test scores, enhanced memory and learning, stress reduction, enhanced discipline and time management skills. These attributes are needed regardless of the major they plan to pursue, but if it is music, they are well-prepared for that arena as well! You may say that there are other programs out there that offer the same thing, but there is no other program like The Atlanta Music Project. It is unique, tested and will survive these 'world' challenges because it has been based on what a student really needs even outside of the musical aspect.
What are your favorite AMP experiences so far?
Although it may not be considered a favorite experience for everyone, I am really impressed with the College & Career Services department. So it is part of my favorite experience so far because I would not have known where to calmly start this process. Coming from a parent who did not have to go through this and the fact that the college counseling in schools is different now, I am very appreciative of how we were efficiently guided through essays, applications, scholarships, financial aid issues and final college selection. Ms. Miriam and the entire Atlanta Music Project team gets to know each student and the scenario that would appear to 'fit' them in the future from the college to classroom size to instructors. The connections and the advice that has been provided is invaluable! We would have truly been lost and would have had to work even harder without the guidance from everyone at the Atlanta Music project!
What is something you'd like to see your gift and/or AMP accomplish?
Along with my gift and other contributions, I would like to see the Atlanta Music Project have a bigger space anticipating more students knocking the doors down for this gem of an experience!
Where would you like to see AMP 20yrs from now?
I would love to see this program outgrow its existing space to the point where it is recognized all around the globe but still operating in under-resourced communities. Outgrowing the space does not mean forgetting the purpose of its establishment but it means extending this type of opportunity to more areas where these emerging adults can get this type of world-class training and support. This would change the narrative for a lot of them.
What is one piece of advice you want to give to future generations of AMP students?
If you are fortunate enough to be in this program, do not take it for granted. You have been accepted for a reason. There is something that the team sees in you. Please know that it is a commitment on your part to follow the protocol of the systems in place to be successful. Open your minds to the fact that 'practice does make perfect' for anything you do whether it is music, aviation or rocket science! Use this opportunity to grow and mature in all facets of your life where discipline to be victorious is a requirement!
I would love to see this program outgrow its existing space to the point where it is recognized all around the globe but still operating in under-resourced communities. Outgrowing the space does not mean forgetting the purpose of its establishment but it means extending this type of opportunity to more areas where these emerging adults can get this type of world-class training and support.
I am really impressed with the College & Career Services department. So it is part of my favorite experience so far because I would not have known where to calmly start this process. Coming from a parent who did not have to go through this and the fact that the college counseling in schools is different now, I am very appreciative of how we were efficiently guided through essays, applications, scholarships, financial aid issues and final college selection.
