J Dilla Music Tech Grant
Save The Music Foundation (STM) has addressed the systemic inequalities in music education by partnering with communities across the U.S. to build public school music education programs – donating school instruments and technology; working as a convener, expert, and catalyst; and helping to train and support teachers.
STM estimates that at least 5 million students across the U.S. do not have access to music education as part of their school day. This gap is most pronounced among students of color attending school in a city or rural school district. At the same time, these communities possess vibrant music ecosystems and incredibly rich cultural and musical legacies, providing a valuable foundation for investment in young people and local creative economies.
Developed in partnership with Pharrell Williams’ creative collective, i am OTHER, supported by Ma Dukes, and named after her son, legendary hip hop producer J Dilla, the STM J Dilla Music Tech Grant delivers the future of music education through innovative tech tools and curriculum to bring out students’ inner creativity, talent, and confidence by teaching the fundamentals of electronic music creation, recording, and production. The J Dilla Music Tech Grant makes an impact in three key ways:
(1) BROADENS ACCESS: The grant provides select high schools with resources to broaden access to the latest music learning and teaching.
(2) SUPPORTS TEACHERS: The grant helps highly qualified music educators update and expand their music programs to engage students who might not be interested in large ensemble structures (band, orchestra, chorus).
(3) EXTENDS CAREER PATHWAYS: The grant builds critical vocational skills, helps students acquire practical knowledge, and supports sustainable employment opportunities after graduation.
The Save The Music (STM) program model pairs one-time capital investment of instruments, technology and other resources to start and build music programs in schools with ongoing support for music teachers’ day-to-day work, including guidance on creating policies, procedures, and curriculum, and advocating for the sustainability of a school’s music program. Each community-level program is co-created with school and community leaders, based on the school district’s need and readiness for music investment. Program options range from elementary school (introduction to music with an emphasis on early childhood development), middle school (band, strings, mariachi, intro to electronic music), to high school (our J Dilla Music Tech Grant).
We are seeking a one-time investment of $55,000 for each J Dilla Music Tech Grant per eligible high school. As part of our grant packages, Save The Music provides ongoing program support, including professional development, monitoring, research and measurement to grantee schools for a 10-year period. The J Dilla Music Tech Grant also includes 45 hours of professional development per semester with Arizona State University’s (@ASU) Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts (@ASUHIDA), School of Music, and Music Education Program (@ASUMusicEd). This includes a semester of support from the Consortium for Innovation and Transformation in Music Education in answering questions and developing resources for teachers.
Leaders & Partners
Impact
STM has created the bridge for students to experience real-world music industry concepts and awareness for our music programs…Between STM and myself, we are able to provide and create a performing arts curriculum with the resources that have been made available to our students.
Current Metrics
Delivered J Dilla Music Tech Grants to 33 high schools nationwide, including 3 schools in Miami.
Over 1200 students enrolled at three schools in Miami have access to participate in the J Dilla Music Tech program.
As of Fall 2022, grantee schools in Miami report positive outcomes across core social and emotional competencies, e.g. self-confidence, students’ engagement in school, critical thinking and teamwork, as a result of participation in program.
Impact
STM has created the bridge for students to experience real-world music industry concepts and awareness for our music programs…Between STM and myself, we are able to provide and create a performing arts curriculum with the resources that have been made available to our students.
Current Metrics
Delivered J Dilla Music Tech Grants to 33 high schools nationwide, including 3 schools in Miami.
Over 1200 students enrolled at three schools in Miami have access to participate in the J Dilla Music Tech program.
As of Fall 2022, grantee schools in Miami report positive outcomes across core social and emotional competencies, e.g. self-confidence, students’ engagement in school, critical thinking and teamwork, as a result of participation in program.
Goals
Demographic
We partner with public school districts to build sustainable music programs in primarily Title 1 schools with insufficient or nonexistent resources.
Funding Goal
We are seeking a one-time investment of $55,000 for each J Dilla Music Tech Program per eligible high school
Impact Goal
This project aims to provide access to the latest music technology education for at least four more high schools in Miami-Dade County Public Schools to advance music education and promote career pathways in the music industry for students in the next 3-5 years.
