In 1997, John Sykes, one of the original MTV/VH1 executives, spent a day as principal at a school in Brooklyn. He was shocked to see that the school’s instruments were being held together with gaffer tape and that the entire music program was at risk. In response, he helped mobilize a pro-social initiative at VH1, which quickly gained steam as it became apparent that many more music programs across the country were being deprioritized with severe budget cuts or even eliminated.
Soon thereafter, Save The Music became its own independent 501c3 public charity. Since then, Save The Music has donated more than $60 million worth of new musical instruments, equipment and technology to 2201 schools in 277 school districts across 42 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, improving the lives of millions of children throughout the United States.
Here’s how Save The Music partners with local communities and school districts to build sustainable music programs:
- Investing in schools: Save The Music donates instruments, music technology and other equipment to jumpstart public school music programs.
- Supporting teachers: Save The Music supports music teachers with professional development, ongoing program support and other resources.
- Advocating for music education: Save The Music advocates at the local, state and national levels to ensure music is part of a well-rounded education.
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