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About
Save the Music is one of the United States' most prominent music education nonprofits, founded with the mission of restoring and sustaining music programs in public schools — especially those serving underserved communities. Over 27 years, the organization has partnered with more than 2,800 schools across the country, delivering instruments, music technology labs, curriculum resources, and professional development for teachers. The organization operates through three core pillars: donating instruments and music technology to schools that lack them, providing support services and training for music educators, and advocating at local, state, and national levels for music education to be recognized as an essential part of the academic curriculum. Save the Music's programs are backed by research demonstrating that music education enhances cognitive development, improves performance in math and reading, and fosters critical life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and self-esteem. They also address the growing shortage of certified music teachers — currently affecting 25 states — by equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to teach effectively. Resources available through the platform include step-by-step guides for setting up music technology labs, career path information for the music industry, general music education materials, and free websites for learning and creativity. Save the Music is ideal for school administrators, educators, community leaders, and philanthropists who want to make a tangible impact in music education.
Key Features
- Instrument & Music Tech Donations: Provides schools with physical instruments and music technology labs so every student has the tools needed to participate in music education.
- Teacher Support Services: Offers professional development, training resources, and tools to help certified music educators — and address the growing music teacher shortage across 25 states.
- Free Music Education Resources: Hosts a searchable library of free curriculum guides, lesson plans, career path info, social-emotional learning resources, and websites for students and educators.
- Music Technology Lab Setup Guides: Step-by-step guides help schools build and launch music technology labs, enabling students to create beats and explore digital music production.
- Music Education Advocacy: Actively advocates for music to be recognized as a core academic subject, collaborating with school districts, community leaders, and policymakers nationwide.
Use Cases
- A public school administrator in an underserved district applies for instrument donations and music tech lab setup support to launch a new music program.
- A music teacher accesses free curriculum resources, social-emotional learning guides, and step-by-step technology lab setup instructions to enhance classroom instruction.
- A community philanthropist donates or starts a fundraiser to sponsor music education for students at a local school lacking arts funding.
- A school district partners with Save the Music to advocate for reinstating a music program that was cut due to budget constraints.
- A student uses Save the Music's free digital resources and creative websites to explore music production and learn about career paths in the music industry.
Pros
- Long-Standing, Proven Impact: With over 27 years of operation and partnerships with 2,800+ schools, Save the Music has a demonstrated track record of meaningful impact in music education.
- Comprehensive Free Resources: Educators and students can access a wide range of free curriculum materials, guides, and digital tools without any cost barriers.
- Holistic Approach: Addresses multiple dimensions of music education — instruments, technology, teacher training, and policy advocacy — creating sustainable long-term change.
- Research-Backed Programs: Programs are grounded in research linking music education to improved academic performance, cognitive development, and social-emotional skills.
Cons
- U.S.-Focused Only: Programs and partnerships are limited to public schools in the United States, making it inaccessible to international educators and communities.
- Dependent on Donations: As a nonprofit, the scale and availability of resources depend heavily on fundraising and donor contributions, which can fluctuate.
- Not a Digital Learning Platform: Save the Music is primarily a grant and resource organization rather than an interactive e-learning platform, so the digital content experience may feel limited compared to dedicated edtech tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for instruments and resources from Save the Music?
Public schools in the United States — particularly those in underserved communities — can apply to partner with Save the Music to receive instruments, music technology, and support services. Schools work with community leaders to assess readiness and tailor the program to local needs.
How does Save the Music support music teachers?
Save the Music provides professional development, training tools, and curriculum resources to certified music educators. They also advocate for addressing the music and arts teacher shortage currently affecting 25 U.S. states.
Are Save the Music's educational resources free?
Yes. Save the Music offers a free searchable library of music education resources for educators and students, including lesson guides, social-emotional learning materials, and digital creativity tools.
How can I donate or fundraise for Save the Music?
You can donate directly on their website, start a fundraiser on Facebook or Classy, or pledge your birthday. Even a $25 donation can provide tools and resources to music educators and students.
What impact has Save the Music had so far?
Over 27 years, Save the Music has partnered with more than 2,800 schools across the U.S., delivering equitable access to music education for millions of students and helping communities reach their full potential through music.
