Full Breakdown
Music Will Gala to Honor Industry Icons and Raise Funds for Music Education
3/26/2026, 8:50:33 PM
Overview of the Benefit Event
On May 7, 2026, Music Will, the largest non-profit school music education program in the United States, will host a benefit gala at New York’s Marriott Marquis. The event will honor notable figures in the music industry, including T Bone Burnett, Master P, and Maren Morris, who will also perform alongside student musicians. The gala aims to raise funds for Music Will’s initiative to enhance music education in public schools, with a goal of impacting 11 million students annually over the next five years.
Mission and Goals of Music Will
Music Will's mission is to transform young lives through innovative, multi-genre music education programs. The organization has already reached over 1.8 million students in its 24 years of operation. Mike Wasserman, CEO of Music Will, emphasized the importance of music in addressing rising issues of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among youth, stating that music serves as a source of comfort and personal growth.
Perspectives from Honorees
T Bone Burnett expressed his belief in the fundamental role of music in education, stating, “For most of human history, music was used to teach everything... The fact that we have largely taken the arts out of our education system is one of the most foolish decisions of the modern United States.” He highlighted the transformative power of music in learning and personal development.
Maren Morris shared her personal connection to the cause, reflecting on her own experiences with underfunded arts programs in public schools. She stated, “Music Will honoring me this year is such a heartfelt gift to me and my inner child... School arts programs with healthy budgets for every student are integral to our local communities and give inspiration to the next generation of creative dreamers.”
Official Statements & Responses
In a collective statement, Music Will expressed gratitude for the support from artists and music industry leaders, stating, “We simply couldn’t do any of this without the support of the artists... We’re thrilled to be celebrating and raising important funds for music programs across the US.” The organization aims to foster a community of student music-makers and teachers, reinforcing the vital role of music education in society.
Conclusion
The upcoming gala not only aims to honor influential figures in music but also seeks to generate critical funding for music education programs that are essential for nurturing creativity and personal development among young people. The event underscores the collective commitment of the music community to support arts education in public schools, ensuring that future generations have access to the transformative power of music.
