Save the Music Foundation

Save The Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring music education in American public schools. It was founded in 1997 by then-VH1 president John Sykes after he participated in a "Principal for a Day" program in Brooklyn and witnessed a school's music program shutting down due to funding cuts and instruments held together with tape.

Originally known as VH1 Save the Music, the foundation was established in response to budget cuts in the 1990s that diminished arts education in public schools. In its first year, the organization became a national non-profit, restoring music programs in several major cities. By January 2025, the foundation became a fully independent nonprofit, ending its affiliation with VH1's parent company, Paramount Global.

The organization's primary activity is providing grants of new musical instruments, technology, and equipment to jumpstart and sustain music programs in public schools, particularly those in underserved communities. It partners with school districts that commit to hiring certified music teachers and scheduling music as part of the regular school day. The foundation offers various grant types tailored to different grade levels, including traditional band and strings, as well as modern music technology programs. A significant initiative is the J Dilla Music Tech Grant, which provides tools for electronic music creation, recording, and production.

Beyond providing equipment, Save The Music supports teachers with professional development and advocates at local, state, and national levels to ensure music remains a core part of a well-rounded education. The foundation operates on a model of strategic partnership with school districts, aiming to create systemic change. Since its inception, it has donated over $78 million in instruments and technology to approximately 2,800 schools across the U.S.

Keywords: music education nonprofit, public school support, arts advocacy, musical instrument grants, youth music programs, education equity, J Dilla Music Tech Grant, restore music programs, teacher professional development, community partnerships, K-12 music education, music technology grants, education funding, arts in schools, nonprofit organization