In the late 1990s, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation made headlines with an extravagant launch event featuring stars like Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey. However, the landscape of music education and philanthropy has significantly shifted since then. The nonprofit, which now operates under the name Save the Music Foundation, is transitioning from its early focus on high-profile cable TV specials to a more grassroots mission aimed at developing and maintaining music programs in schools across the country. They aim to enhance their reach by diversifying their donor base, particularly as the focus of Viacom (now Paramount) has moved away from music content.
On Wednesday, the organization expressed its commitment to independence, stating it would eliminate its ties with Paramount and seek out various funding avenues, including individual donations. Henry Donahue, the foundation’s executive director, emphasized the need for the organization to be recognized as a dedicated initiative within the music industry, rather than as a corporate social responsibility project for a single entity. He noted the goal is to become the go-to organization for music education, akin to how MusiCares serves health care in the music sector. This effort aims to engage artists, labels, streaming services, and other music-related entities in community music education.
The move toward independence has been a comprehensive process supported by billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, who donated a generous grant of $2 million in 2021. Along with this support, the foundation is working to establish a $10 million endowment fund, of which $4 million has already been secured. The transition will enable Save the Music to better serve students like 17-year-old Ja’Marion Hulin from Atlanta’s Daniel McLaughlin Therrell High School. Hulin, who leads the school’s record label, Panther Records, is utilizing equipment provided by the foundation to explore his musical talents.
Hulin expressed his excitement about having access to his own equipment, stating, “Having our own equipment allows us to be more passionate about our abilities — there’s not really anything that’s holding us back.” He highlighted the importance of diversity in music tastes among students, indicating that the equipment enables them to experiment and create a range of sounds.
Samuel Davis, the music teacher at Therrell High, acknowledged the significant impact of the Save the Music’s J Dilla Music Technology Grant. He explained that, without this funding, students would have been forced to share equipment and software, limiting their ability to engage with music technology. The grant has also provided essential support for teachers so they can develop strong music programs, especially for those aspiring to be music producers. Davis remarked, “The program is extremely valuable to students,” adding that it enhances attendance and connectedness among students, making them feel more integrated into their educational environment.
While Hulin enjoys creating mixes in the cafeteria, he has aspirations to compose music for video games, perhaps even incorporating neo-soul elements into popular series like Persona. In contrast, Lonnie Hampton, a teacher at P.S. 20 in Brooklyn, remains committed to traditional music programs supported by Save the Music. Since 2006, Hampton has intermittently received funds from the foundation, allowing him to provide students with their own instruments, fostering their musical growth.
“The opportunity for kids to have instruments at home allows them to witness firsthand the rewards of dedication,” Hampton stated. He noted how repeated practice nurtures resilience and confidence in young musicians.
John Sykes, who originally established the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, has expressed enthusiasm about the foundation’s new direction under its current leadership. Sykes emphasized how music education not only cultivates future artists but also contributes invaluable skills to various professions, including teaching, medicine, and public service. He expressed hope that music education would remain protected from potential funding cuts and mentioned that Rock Hall inductees might lend their support when needed.
Sykes remarked, “Music education is not just an art; it’s a science.” He explained that while it serves as an outlet for creativity, it also teaches foundational concepts such as math. Reflecting on past experiences with VH1, he shared how influential figures recognized the power of music education’s positive effect on academic performance, leading them to champion the cause.
