Music has the power to transform lives—and access to music education is where that transformation begins.
Music Will, the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S., has received a $75,000 donation from Toyota to help expand access to modern, culturally responsive music education for students in public schools across the country. Through this partnership, more young people in historically underserved communities will have the chance to discover their creativity, build confidence, and find belonging through music-making.
Expanding Access and Participation in Modern Music Education
Music Will delivers hands-on, culturally responsive music education to more than 1,000,000 students in thousands of public schools nationwide. With Toyota’s support, the organization can deepen its work with students and educators by providing more resources, training, and opportunities for young people to connect with music that reflects their lives and communities.
“We’re so grateful to Toyota for investing in our mission and giving kids an experience of a lifetime,” said Janice Polizzotto, Chief Growth Officer, Music Will. “We’re incredibly proud of our students and teachers who continue to inspire us with their creativity, confidence, and ambition. These young musicians are a glimpse of the rising artists shaping the future—and it’s exciting to know Toyota is helping support that next generation. We can’t wait to see what grows from this new partnership and the possibilities ahead.”
From the Classroom to Live Music Experiences
As part of the partnership, students experienced how their classroom learning connects to real-world music opportunities.
Music Will students performed at two Toyota-sponsored festivals: One Music Fest in Atlanta, Georgia, and Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles, California. In addition, students from Verdugo Hills High School in Los Angeles had a chance to meet singer-songwriter ELA Taubert, hear about her musical journey, and get a behind-the-scenes look at her concert.
“It’s been a pleasure working and connecting with students through music, which is a universal connector,” said Kaitlin Marie Pennell, Sr. Analyst, Toyota. “Supporting emerging artists has been part of what Toyota has been doing for so many years, and it’s exciting when we see it come to life through partnerships with rising artists like ELA Taubert and through our work with festival partners that provided great real-life experiences for students from Music Will who took part in these opportunities.”
These moments are a glimpse of what’s possible when students have access to music that meets them where they are and takes them where they dream to go—from the classroom to the festival stage.
Toyota’s Commitment to Music Discovery
Toyota continues to champion music discovery by sponsoring festivals and supporting emerging artists. Through partnerships with events like One Music Fest and Camp Flog Gnaw, and support for rising talent such as ELA Taubert, Toyota is helping create positive, impactful connections between artists, fans, and the next generation of creators.
By investing in Music Will, Toyota is extending that commitment into public school classrooms nationwide—ensuring more students can experience the benefits of making music, regardless of their background or zip code.
About Music Will
Music Will is the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S., delivering hands-on, culturally responsive music education to more than 1,000,000 students in thousands of public schools nationwide. Through modern band curricula, teacher training, and instrument donations, Music Will helps students discover their voices, build confidence, and find community through music.
Through its Music for Millions campaign, Music Will is working toward a bold goal: to reach 11 million students annually by 2030. To learn more and find out how you can get involved, visit musicwill.org/musicformillions.
About Toyota
Toyota has been part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands and nearly 1,500 dealerships nationwide. The company directly employs tens of thousands of people in the U.S. and has produced more than 35 million cars and trucks at its 11 manufacturing plants.
Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation supports innovative educational programs in historically underserved communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.
For more information about Toyota, visit Toyota Newsroom.
