Grammy Music Education Coalition To Boost Public School Music Programs In Nashville, New York, Philadelphia

In a push to increase the number of students in America’s public school system who make playing music an active part of their educational experience, the Recording Academy has launched the Grammy Music Education Coalition. The nonprofit includes more than 30 music education programs, including the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants), VH1 Save The Music Foundation, and Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

The program focuses on underserved communities, and will initially offer services in three districts, including Nashville (Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools’ Music Makes Us), New York City (New York City Department of Education) and Philadelphia (The School District of Philadelphia). The school systems will receive customized funding and strategic services based on the school system needs assessments.

“The GRAMMY Music Education Coalition has one mission—to increase the number of students actively making music across the country with particular emphasis on underserved communities,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. “The partnerships we are creating with school districts, teachers, parents and youth are designed to drive systemic change across geographies and communities nationwide.”

One of the GMEC’s first initiatives is to partner with Disney/Pixar’s film Coco, which launches Nov. 22, to bring learning content to teachers and youth. The movie follows 12-year-old Miguel, a talented guitarist who dreams of becoming a great musician. The movie’s team will donate 300 Cordoba guitars to the GMEC’s initial three school system recipients. Guitar Center will also donate 300 Cordoba Guitars. Additionally, GMEC will also collaborate with Berklee College of Music to offer educational materials via the school’s online music education resource Berklee Pulse.