MUSIC FOR MILLIONS
For over 20 years, Music Will has transformed music education nationwide, reaching 1.8 million students across all 50 states. By 2030, we aim to empower 11 million students annually to make more music, for more of their lives, with more meaning.
We Know the Benefits of Music Education for Students
Music Reduces Absenteeism and Tardiness
85%
of teachers report that since starting Music Will's program in the classroom, students are more engaged in school.
According to our friends at The National Association for Music Education, schools with music programs see...
nearly 18% increase in graduation rates
almost 10% increase in attendance rates
Music Enhances Academic Performance
Music students score significantly better in science, math, and English than their nonmusical peers, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association.
Music Supports Social Emotional Learning and Gives Students a Tool to Deal with the Social Challenges They Face Daily
92%
of teachers report that since starting Music Will’s program, they feel more connected to their students.
By 2030, we aim to impact 11 million students annually through our direct programs and pedagogy.
1 in 20 music students nationwide will be taught by an active Music Will educator.
Nearly 40% of music students nationwide will be taught by a teacher influenced by our pedagogy.
The Barriers
What are the barriers to reaching more students?
There are three systemic problems plaguing U.S. music education that we are working to address.
1. Low Participation Rates
Even when music is offered in schools, most students don't participate. 80% or more of all students (40M kids) who have access to school music programs will drop out or never join. Music education can't change the lives of children who decide not to participate in music classes.
2. Lack of Cultural and Commercial Relevance
Existing K-12 music programs haven’t kept pace with current music trends, making programs feel irrelevent to students' lives. American popular music genres like rock, Rap, Country, and R&B dominate culture worldwide, yet they’re often missing from classrooms.
3. Lack of Representation and Offerings in College-Level Music Education Programs
College music education programs, those which prepare the next generation of music teachers, often exclude the genres and cultures that shape today’s music. The result?
- School music programs continue to ignore popular music
- Only 1 in 10 music educators is a person of color (as compared to 3 in 10 in education generally)
- Many kids skip music programs altogether
We want millions more students to make more music for more of their lives with more meaning.
To make that happen, we will serve as a collaborative partner and leader in the effort to increase student participation in music education by making the field more inclusive and impactful.
In pursuit of our goal to reach 11 million students yearly by 2030, we’re concentrating on goals across three main areas: Program & Pedagogy, People & Culture, and Revenue & Sustainability.
Our pedagogy
The Music Will Approach
At Music Will, students don’t just play music — they create it. Our modern band curriculum invites young people to learn the music they already know and love, from rock and pop to hip-hop, country, electronic, and beyond. Teachers guide rather than direct, giving students the freedom to experiment, collaborate, and express themselves through instruments, technology, and songwriting.
This approach meets students where they are — musically and personally. Each classroom becomes a space where every student can find their voice, whether by strumming a guitar, producing beats, or writing original lyrics. The result is music education that is relevant, inclusive, and inspiring — and a deeper connection to learning that carries far beyond the classroom.
Program & Pedagogy Goals
Music Will’s direct programming and the dissemination of our grounding pedagogy: The Music Will Approach (MWA)
Goals:
Directly Impact 1.2M Students
Serve over 1.2M students annually through direct Music Will programming by 2030.
Reach 10M Students Through MWA (Music Will Approach)
Provide educators with training, curricula, and other resources on the Music Will Approach (MWA) pedagogy so that an additional 10M students annually participate in MWA-influenced music education classes and programs.
Evolve the Field of Music Education
Serve as a collaborative partner and thought leader in efforts to increase participation in music education among all students, decrease gaps in participation for traditionally marginalized students, and ensure the pipeline of new educators and body of music education curricula nationally are reflective of the students across.
How:
Expand our Music Education Community
We are dedicated to significantly expanding the breadth of our music education community. By 2030, we will engage 6,000 music educators annually through our direct programs, and we will reach a broad network of MWA-influenced educators leveraging our pedagogy to make music education more student-centered, engaging, and accessible to students of all abilities.
Invest in the Resources and Experience of our Growing Music Education Community
We aim to grow our programs not just in size, but in quality. Our goal is to position Music Will as the go-to destination for music educators seeking quality curriculum, peer connections, industry ties, and a relationship-first approach to engagement. To achieve this, we will strategically invest in technology solutions that provide an intuitive “one-stop” experience, access to virtual and asynchronous training, curricular resources leveraging advancements in AI and music technology, and streamlined avenues for acquiring discounted and free instruments and classroom materials.
Develop Deeper Engagement Opportunities for Educators and Communities
We are dedicated to creating pathways for individual educators to deepen their involvement with Music Will, amplifying their impact in the classroom and sustaining the use of Music Will’s practices. With masterful teachers serving as local program ambassadors, certified trainers, and participating in a new professional certification, we aim to foster sustained change at the district and regional levels with the support of these teacher leaders and champions.
Invest in Key Music Education Sector Relationships
Our focus on district-, state-, and system-level partnerships is paramount as we strive to bolster recruitment, retention, and long-term collaboration within the music education sector. By expanding our network of strategic partnerships, Music Will aims to achieve its goals while fostering coordination across the broader music education landscape.
Champion What Works for Students and Educators
As a leading voice in the music education community, Music Will is committed to evaluating our programs rigorously, championing successful practices from our communities, and supporting field-building research to shape the broader music education sector. We will prioritize a balanced approach, combining quantitative analysis with storytelling and amplifying the voices of students and teachers.
Be the Change Music Education Needs
Thanks to donors like you, we've transformed the lives of 1 million students nationwide by transforming the field of music education. You can help impact 11 million lives by 2030 by making a donation.
For gifts over $5,000, we’d love to connect directly. Please reach out to [email protected] to maximize your impact.
Thank You to Our Supporters
$1,000,000+
$100,000 - 999,999
$25,000 - 99,999
