Music Will

Billboard revealed the award-winning artists performing at this year's benefit on April 24th at The Novo in LA. We can't wait to honor the work of Andra Day, Josh Groban, and Rhiannon Giddens, and celebrate the transformational power of music with some of our teachers, student bands, and supporters! All proceeds will support our programs for students and teachers across the country. Together, we’re changing lives through music. Tickets and sponsorships are available now: https://lnkd.in/gTx78SD3

Are you passionate about music and the transformative impact it has on our children? Do you thrive in planning and executing dynamic, large-scale events that make a lasting impact? If so, Music Will, the leading music education non-profit, has an exciting opportunity for you. In this role, you will help plan and coordinate in-person and virtual fundraising events. Your thoughtful communication, attention to detail, and project management skills will be instrumental in ensuring the success of our events.  If you're interested in applying your event management expertise to inspire change through music, we would love to hear from you. Apply now! https://lnkd.in/gBBVEaVv

It is with great honor that we announce Jaye Lopez Van Soest CFRE as the new Director of Philanthropy at Music Will! With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and social impact sectors, Jaye is a passionate leader in fundraising and strategic partnerships. She has successfully raised tens of millions of dollars for nonprofits advocating for civil rights and social and economic justice.   Most recently, Jaye served as Vice President & Chief Development Officer at Gateways Music Festival, where she worked to expand and diversify revenue streams, and to create new opportunities to advance Gateways' mission - connecting and supporting professional classical musicians of African descent and enlightening and inspiring communities through the power of performance - during a time of significant organizational growth and a leadership transition. She also leveraged her expertise and network to promote diversity, access, and inclusion in the classical music field.    Jaye is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Washington DC Metro Area Chapter (AFP DC) and served on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global). She served as co-chair of the Virtual 2021 Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference, her second time serving as co-chaired having previously served in that role in 2011. She also served on the board of the Capital City Symphony, a vibrant orchestra that provides a variety of opportunities for talented musicians and diverse audiences to engage with great music in the nation’s capital, and Art Enables, an art gallery and vocational arts program dedicated to creating opportunities for artists with disabilities to make, market and earn income from their original and compelling artwork also in Washington, D.C.   Born and raised in suburban Los Angeles, Jaye graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's in English and is a certified fundraising executive (CFRE). She currently resides in Virginia with her spouse and their Black Labrador, Whippet mix. In her spare time, Jaye is a voracious and enthusiastic audience member of all art forms, in particular, opera. She’s an avid crossword puzzler and enjoys hiking, reading, and anything to do with water - swimming, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, lounging near it. Please join us in welcoming, Jaye to the Music Will band!

Meet Zanneta Kubajak, a PreK-8th grade music teacher at Owen Scholastic Academy in the south side of Chicago. Recently graduating with her Master's in Music Education from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Zanneta embodies this love for music in her teaching. As she says, "Love is the foundational aspect of any lesson I teach." Join us in congratulating and honoring Zanneta and the teachers like her who lead with compassion and acceptance! Read more: https://lnkd.in/geAWczH5

Announcing Issac Slade, former lead singer of The Fray as our 2024 Summit Keynote Speaker! Register today to secure your spot at this transformative event and hear insights from a true innovator and advocate for music education in schools! music-will.org/mbs2024

Modern band music students of all ages from across Dallas Independent School District brought the house down at the 13th annual Modern Band All-City Jam at Seagoville High School! Thank you to Fine Arts Director, Rodney Dittmar, for hosting the event and creating this opportunity for kids to share and enjoy each other's music. To learn more about the All-City Jam, read more here below!

Congratulations to all of the talented students who submitted their original songs to the 2024 Music Will Songwriting Exhibition! We have been blown away by the incredible submissions from young songwriters from across the nation and we are so excited to share them to with you! Each song is a testament to our students’ unique talent and individuality, like this one called, “Ya No Quiero Mas” by 9-12th grade students from the Academy for Innovative Education (AIE) Charter School! Show these students some love in the comments below and check out the rest of the amazing songs by other students on our website! 

Our founder, Dave Wish, was recently invited by NAMM to share his music education journey for their oral history project! Check out the interview here: https://lnkd.in/gF8aWeth!

From Dave, our Founder and Chief Vision Officer!

Tune in today at 4pm PT for an exclusive interview with Janice Polizzotto, Chief Relationship Officer of Music Will! 🎶 As part of Asian American Pacific Islander Month, Janice will be joining the Asian American Collective for their "Family Style" series. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation. Watch it live on Asian American Collective’s Instagram at 4pm PT! #AAPIHeritageMonth