Music Will — Largest Non-Profit Music Program In U.S. Public Schools — Hosted Benefit On May 7 In New York

Event Raised Over $1 Million To Support Music Will's Mission To Transform Young Lives Through Innovative, Popular Music Education Programs In Public Schools

Friday, May 8 - Music Will , t he largest non-profit music education program for schools in the United States, held their annual benefit in New York City at theMarriott Marquis inTimes Square last night on May 7. The evening supported Music Will's mission to transform young lives through innovative, multi-genre music education programs in public schools. This year, Music Will honored 13x Grammy Award winning producer, artist and songwriter T Bone Burnett who was given his honor by Elvis Costello, Grammy Award winning and Billboard chart topping singer/songwriter Maren Morris, and Hip Hop icon and business mogul Master P. Bruce Eskowitz, COO Red Light Management, received the Inaugural Music Icon Award presented to him by Coran Capshaw (CEO, Red Light Management). Nile Rogers surprised Bruce on stage and a heartfelt video was submitted by Lionel Richie to congratulate Eskowitz on his award.

This year's benefit raised overone million dollars to support Music Will's mission to transform young lives through innovative, popular music education programs in public schools. InLionel Richie's tribute to Bruce Eskowitz, he shared "Music Will helps us remember why music matters in the first place." With this year's fundraising and celebrity partnerships, Music Will is one step closer to achieving their goal to serve 11 millionstudents and engage 40,000 music educators by 2030. Music Will will expand its program in various markets to celebrate each honoree next school year.

Mike Wasserman, CEO of Music Will shared "Twenty-four years ago, Music Will began with a simple belief: when young people have the opportunity to channel their creativity and make the music they love, music can become a place of belonging, a confidence-builder, and a form of self-expression. Tonight was a powerful reminder of that promise, and we are deeply grateful to our honorees, performers, educators, supporters, and of course our student musicians. The support raised through this event enables our programs to reach 1.4 million students this year alone, with a goal to bring music, joy, and opportunity to tens of millions of students in the years ahead."

GALA HIGHLIGHTS:

• The evening opened with a powerful rendition of "Glory" performed by students from TEP Elementary , setting the tone for a night centered on the transformative power of music education.
• Emcee for the evening, N'Kenge shared a heartfelt story about how music shaped her professional journey and helped her navigate a difficult time in her early childhood. One young student told her at a recent Music Will school visit, "I didn't have a role model until I met you today."
• Wyclef Jean - Honorary Benefit Chair and 2025 Music Will Honoree - introduced a standout performance by students from TAPCo, whose electrifying rendition of "Can't Stop" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers earned a standing ovation from the crowd.
• Following the performance, a TAPCo student delivered an emotional speech about the life-changing impact of Music Will's programming that "allows me to train like a professional."
• During the live auction, a generous $23,000 contribution toward a Nashville/Gibson trip was immediately matched, underscoring the audience's commitment to expanding opportunities for young musicians and preserving arts education.
• Cymphonique introduced her father, Master P, to the stage after a heartfelt performance. He concluded his acceptance speech by celebrating the next generation of artists: "These kids inspire me and are mastering their future."
• Legendary producer, musician and songwriter Nile Rodgers reflected on the importance of preserving arts education, sharing: "They've gotten rid of so many parts of the American education system, but the kids tonight remind me of my childhood." He later added, "Watching these kids play was really touching. [Donating to Music Will] was the best $25,000 I've ever spent."
• Honoree Bruce Eskowitz was introduced by colleague and friend Coran Capshaw, with a surprise by Nile Rodgers. Lionel Richie joined by a submitted video and praised the organization's mission, sharing, "Music Will helps us remember why music matters in the first place."
• T Bone Burnett was presented his award by pioneering artist Elvis Costello. Following his acceptance, he performed "Humans from Earth" and "Everything and Nothing" alongside Larry Campbell, Amy Helm, and Tony Garnier.
• Maren Morris closed out the night with a powerful performance of her song "My Church" joined onstage by students whose heartfelt presence on the stage had the crowd swaying to the music.

The benefit was presented by Gregory & Carolyn Hall , produced by Michael Matuza and MBM Entertainment, and co-chaired by Jonathan Shank (CEO, Terrapin Station Entertainment, a joint venture with Sony Music), and Gregory Hall(Managing Director and Head of U.S. Global Wealth Management, Pimco).

Last year, Music Will's 2025 Gala honored Sara Bareilles, Kristin Chenoweth, Jackson Browne, and Wyclef Jean. The gala's musical director Michael Bearden(Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston) returned for another year as well. Past honorees have included: Babyface, Tom Morello, Idina Menzel, Bonnie Raitt, Smokey Robinson, Elvis Costello, Warren Haynes, Usher, Steven Van Zandt, Mavis Staples, Joan Jett, Trombone Shorty, Wiz Khalifa, and Clarence Clemmons,among others. Renowned performers and presenters have included Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Alice Cooper, Darlene Love, Carlos Santana, Yo-Yo Ma, Brian Wilson, Jack Black, Graham Nash, Steve Miller, Todd Rundgren, Alice Merton, Darryl McDaniels (Run-D.M.C.), Harry Connick, Jr., and more.

Research from the National Association for Music Education shows that schools with music programs see nearly 18% increase in graduation rates and almost 10% increase in attendance rates. The American Psychological Association reveals music students score significantly better in Science, Math, and English compared to other non-music students. Moreover, 92% of teachers who have adopted Music Will's program report closer connections to their students since the Modern Band approach meets students where they are - inviting students to not just play music but create music. Thanks to the generous support of the Music Will community, the organization raised over $1 million to transform music education for students across the country.

ABOUT MUSIC WILL

Music Will is the largest nonprofit music education program for schools in the United States. Since 2002, they have provided teacher training, curriculum, and instruments to over 6,000 schools across all 50 states, impacting over 1.8 million students to date. Their 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 they 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, the organization is expanding opportunities for students to engage in music programs that reflect their diversity and interests. Their collaboration with over 100 colleges and universities also ensures future teachers are prepared to foster student-led, culturally responsive learning from day one. Learn more at musicwill.org .

For more information please contact [email protected]