Music education is getting a major boost through a new partnership between the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, iHeartMedia, and the Save The Music Foundation. A seven-figure grant will fund 25 new music programs over three years, and Cleveland is among the first cities to benefit. The initiative focuses on modern music technology and hands-on mentorship to engage students who might not join traditional ensembles.
Program Details
The program brings iPads, MIDI keyboards, and headphones into classrooms. For example, Wilbur Wright Pre-K-8 in Cleveland already offers weeklong immersive sessions for every student in grades four through eight. Music teacher Benjamin Hall runs the sessions and reports strong student interest. In addition, Save The Music supplies $50,000 to $75,000 in equipment per school. The foundation also partners with local groups, including Cuyahoga Community College, to support teacher training and mentorship.
The initiative arose after Save The Music lost major funding from Paramount and faced rising instrument costs. Therefore, founder John Sykes helped rally support from the Rock Hall, iHeartMedia, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Moreover, the foundation recruits Hall of Fame inductees to mentor students and offer real-world perspectives. Jaclyn Rudderow, head of school programs, says the technology sparks excitement and creativity in students; consequently, participation often increases.
Reaching Students Beyond
Beyond traditional band, choir, and orchestra paths, the program aims to reach a wider group of students. For instance, the J Dilla Music Tech program in several Cleveland high schools teaches beat-making, production, podcasting, and live audio. When schools introduce these options, participation typically climbs. Furthermore, the curriculum remains flexible so teachers can lean into what they know and what their students enjoy.
Finally, years of research link music education to better grades, stronger attendance, and higher graduation rates. Thus, Save The Music’s goal is simple: every student should have the chance to make music as part of their education. In short, this partnership invests in tools, training, and mentorship to help students in Cleveland and across the country discover their creative voices.
About the Author
