Music Will

Honored to have teamed up with @musicwill and go back to my hometown and high school to surprise the kids with some brand new instruments and equipment. Music is so important and it's really special getting to be part of this and help give the kids this opportunity. Thank you MusicWill!!! Go Ada!!!

Best. Ending. EVER!! 🙌

“[The Humanitarian of the Year Award] is something that lives and breathes now for generations and will continue to create links in the chain of people making music and potentially changing their worlds with it.” - Tom Morello, award honoree. In true Humanitarian of the Year fashion, Tom has gone above and beyond in his involvement. We extend our deepest gratitude to him for continuously showing up with a sincere heart, a passionate soul and a devoted frame of mind. Not only has he supported 20 schools that will receive music education and instrument donations totaling over $6500 per school, but he enthusiastically visited as many school launches as possible, including LA, Harlem, and Marseilles, IL. Let us unite in the spirit of Morello’s dedication, creating a symphony of change that resonates far beyond the confines of a single award.

Last week, we brought together an extraordinary community in New York City for our Annual Benefit, and we've been sitting with the gratitude ever since. Thank you. Not just for the donations, the bids, and the paddle raises, but for choosing to spend an evening believing in something. Every bit of the room's presence was felt. N'Kenge set the tone from the moment she stepped onstage. Our artist honorees: T Bone Burnett, Master P, Maren Morris, and Bruce Eskowitz reminded us why this work connects so deeply to the broader world of music and culture. And then the students performed, filling the room with an energy that turned our mission into a tangible, beautiful reality. Together, we raised over $1 million to support music education programs for students across the country. Behind that total are young people who will now have greater access to creativity, confidence, connection, and community through music. Thank you for making it possible, and for another evening celebrating the power of music. 🎶 Read more about the night and the impact your support makes possible every day: link in bio 📸: Stage Credit: @dtkindlerphoto / Red Carpet Credit: @createdbybrian_ #MusicWillBenefit2026 #MusicWill #MusicEducation

Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek! 🍎🎸 The dedication of our passionate music educators extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. They empower students to create and express, they build community, they inspire fellow teachers, create local musical experiences, innovate modern band practices, and so much more. To all of our educators, thank you for everything that you do for our students, families, communities and for helping us transform lives by transforming music education. Shout out a teacher below who’s made an impact on your life.👇

Episode 2: Journey to the Stage 🎬 We're just 3 days out from this TAPCo (@tapco_nyc ) student band taking the stage at our Annual Benefit, and their journey is something special to watch. Right now, they're moving beyond knowing their individual parts and learning to truly play together: listening to each other, adjusting in real time, sharing leadership, and working toward a shared goal. Real skills that go far beyond the stage. Follow along and stay tuned for the next chapter. 🎶 There's still time to join us on May 7 at the New York Marriott Marquis or support these students through our online silent auction, now open. Tickets + Auction: link in bio.

The work doesn’t stop when rehearsal ends 🎸❄️ Some of our ASM Midnight Sweaters members stayed after school this Friday to dig into something new: "The Mountain” by @transsiberianorchestra While TSO is usually part of our December sound, we’re switching it up this Spring and bringing this piece to the stage for our upcoming performances — including the Spring Band Concert on May 14th. “The Mountain” pulls from a long tradition of classical storytelling in music. You can hear the intensity and drive reminiscent of Holst’s "Mars, Bringer of War", alongside the relentless, building energy inspired by Grieg’s "In the Hall of the Mountain King". It’s cinematic, dramatic, and pushes us as a band in new ways — technically and musically. Proud of these students for putting in the extra time to bring this vision to life. This one is going to be powerful. #ASMMidnightSweaters #ModernBand #AfterSchoolMatters #transsiberianorchestra #tso

Trying the new Zipkit from @musicwill

Drum roll… 🥁 Your 2026 Modern Band Summit Artist Keynote is @iamyolaofficial ! We are thrilled to announce that the six-time GRAMMY-nominated artist, songwriter, and NAACP Image Award–nominated actor will take the stage for her first-ever keynote address to share her powerful perspective on music education's impact. "Music education changed the course of my life when I got bilateral vocal nodules and had to learn how to heal, and I know firsthand how powerful it is for young people to have access to creatively express themselves and to heal themselves, be it physically or emotionally." Come get inspired and #LevelUp with us July 22–24, 2026, in Fort Collins, CO. Remember, thanks to our generous donors, registration costs are waived for all attendees!

Our Songwriting Exhibition Listening Party starts now, and we’re celebrating all day! 🎧 More than 200 original songs from students and educators are now free to listen to on our playlist map—each one a window into someone’s voice, ideas, and lived experience. Songwriting creates space for reflection, expression, and connection, and we hope this listening party is a chance to experience that together. Plus a conversation and feedback session with 8-time Grammy nominee @allisonrussellmusic and producer JT Nero for more. Explore the map, discover new voices, and drop some love along the way. Join the party: musicwill.org/songwriting-exhibition [link in bio]

Get a first look at the TAPCo (@tapco_nyc ) high school student band deep in rehearsals for our Annual Benefit. These students have been working so hard—and under the leadership of their teacher, Jonathan Lijoi (@jonlijazz ) , they’re building something truly special. We’re so proud of this band, and you can already see their confidence growing with every run-through. They’re getting ready for the @newyorkmarriottmarquis —are you? Join us on May 7 to cheer them on and witness their journey come to life on stage. Can’t make it in person? You can still support these students by participating in our online auction. Every bid helps keep music programs in schools. Tickets + Auction: link in bio.

"It’s okay to not be the expert." That’s the heartbeat of the Modern Band Summit. As Dr. Shane Colquhoun (@musicanded ) puts it, music ed is about being real, staying curious, and finding your community. Whether you’re teaching in a silo or a collaborative department, come get inspired. Let’s jam, make mistakes, and bring that modern energy back to our students. ✌️ #ModernBand #MusicEducation #MusicTeacher