Music Will

Music Will is the largest nonprofit music education program for schools in the United States. Since 2002, we have provided teacher training, curriculum, and instruments to over 6,000 schools across all 50 states, impacting over 1.8 million students to date. Our mission is to transform lives by transforming music education, while making it equitable and accessible to all students. Music Will's inclusive modern band curriculum is as diverse as the students we serve, spanning a wide range of genres, including rock, hip-hop, pop, R&B, Latin, country, and more. The program's inception dates back to 1996 when Dave Wish, a first-grade teacher in East Palo Alto, CA, began giving free guitar lessons to his students in response to the lack of a formal music education program at his school. What started in one elementary school in a single city has spawned a national movement, expanding to more than 1,000 school districts nationwide. Through partnerships with teachers, districts, departments of education, and industry leaders, we’re expanding opportunities for students to engage in music programs that reflect their diversity and interests. Our collaboration with over 100 colleges and universities also ensures future teachers are prepared to foster student-led, culturally responsive learning from day one.

Over the next five years, Music Will aims to impact 11 million students annually through our direct programs and Music as a Second Language® pedagogy. Learn more at musicwill.org.