We have just heard about the GRAMMY Music Education Coalition, a coalition of 60 non-profit music education organizations and philanthropies, presenting the inaugural “Auction to Make Music Matter,” a three-week online auction benefiting the expansion of music education in public schools in the US that runs until December 3rd 2019.
What Is The Problem?
Studies show that music education improves a student’s chances for academic success and strongly supports their social and emotional development. But millions of young people are shut out. For example in the US…
3.5 million public school students don’t have access to high-quality music education.
2.8 million of those same students attend majority low-income schools.
The GRAMMY Music Education Coalition is trying to make a difference here. Their vision is to see all young people actively making music in school, every day and to that end, they are working diligently with underserved school districts, arts and community leaders and their affiliates to create the framework for impactful change. GMEC Executive Director Lee Whitmore told us…
"This inaugural GRAMMY Music Education Coalition Auction to Make Music Matter will have a direct impact on public school students. I'm overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from The Recording Academy, its members, the generous auction donors, our Coalition affiliates and most importantly Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, the auction underwriter. Anyone who bids on an auction item is giving to public school music programs for underserved young people. Together we will make a real difference.”
What Can You Do To Help - Join The Auction: One-of-a-kind Items And Experiences
More than 100 once-in-a-lifetime experiences and prizes have been donated for auction by music education supporters including Thomas Rhett Akins, Lang Lang, Fonseca, Sheryl Crow, The Roots, Louis Bell, Pitbull, Ringo Star, Debbie Harry, Kelsea Ballerini, Audra McDonald, Steven Van Zandt, and dozens of other artists, record label executives, sports and business leaders. Auction items on Charitybuzz include:
A VIP tour of Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium with Brandi Carlile
Attending tapings of The Voice UK with Meghan Trainor and Shark Tank with Daymond John
A one-on-one music lesson with Jack Black
VIP tickets to Lady Gaga and Criss Angel’s Vegas shows
Concert Experiences with meet and greets with Fitz and The Tantrums, Kristin Chenoweth, and Thomas Rhett
Merchandise signed by Maggie Rogers, Kelsea Ballerini, Marc Maron, and more
What Will The Money Raised Be Used For
The auction aims to address the inequity of access to music education in public schools, especially for students attending majority low-income schools. 100% of the proceeds will go towards funding music education in underserved and underfunded public schools. Specific funding will go towards learning technologies, instructional materials and curriculum, coaching and mentoring professional development, and more.