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NEW YORK – August 12, 2025 Save The Music Foundation, a nonprofit committed to restoring music programs in public schools and expanding access to music education nationwide is proud to once again partner with Sweetwater, the No. 1 online retailer for music makers, to ensure every student has access to high-quality music education this school year. Given the scale and complexity of delivering the music technology grants—each equipped with up to 420 musical instruments and pieces of technology—Sweetwater’s support for the planned music technology grant deliveries will allow more of Save The Music’s resources to go directly toward impact in the 2025–2026 school year.
Building on their shared mission and success of the 2024 partnership—where Sweetwater helped facilitate deliveries to 42 schools—the collaboration is expanding even further. In 2025, Sweetwater will continue to play a vital behind-the-scenes role in Save The Music’s J Dilla Music Technology grant fulfillment. This includes Sweetwater warehousing and distributing instruments and technology donations from partners like Hosa and Shure, offering discounted gear, and waiving shipping fees for all grant-related deliveries. These contributions are instrumental in helping Save The Music deliver nearly 30 music technology grants—part of the organization’s broader effort to bring 100 comprehensive music education programs to public schools across the country, including communities such as:
- Akron, OH
- Atlanta, GA
- Baltimore, MD
- Bay Area, CA
- Cincinnati, OH
- Cleveland, OH
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Detroit, MI
- Los Angeles County, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Mississippi
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- New York City, NY
- Northern New Jersey
- Orange County, CA
- San Diego County, CA
- South Florida
- Toledo, OH
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia
In addition to this critical operational support, Sweetwater has demonstrated a special commitment to evolve their support for Save The Music’s J Dilla Music Technology music program. The program furthers access to music production and technology resources in public schools,aligning with Sweetwater’s roots as a music technology retailer and distributor.
“We deeply appreciate music’s transformational effect on students both inside and outside the classroom, “ explained Jeff Ostermann, Chief People and Culture Officer at Sweetwater. “We are proud to support the J Dilla Music Tech program once again with both grant funding and our unique ability to provide music tech gear, one of a kind customer service, and advanced logistics & shipping support to ensure schools across the country are helping their students make beautiful music this year.”
Save The Music’s J Dilla Music Technology Grant, which gives middle and high school students hands-on access to music production, beat-making, DJing, and sound engineering tools, has been delivered to over 85 schools since its inception in 2018. According to a recent case study (link here), 82% of students exposed to the J Dilla Music Tech program expressed greater interest in a music-related career, and teachers reported increased engagement and improved attendance.
“As we prepare to deliver nearly 30 music tech grants to more than a dozen communities during the 2025–2026 school year, we’re incredibly grateful to have Sweetwater’s partnership,” said Chiho Feindler, Chief Program Officer at Save The Music. “Their dedication, resources, and belief in our mission help us reach more students with the power of music.”
To learn more about Save The Music and future grant plans, please visit savethemusic.org.
About Save The Music:
Save The Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. For 27 years, Save The Music (STM) has addressed the systemic inequities in music education by investing in culturally rich communities across the US. Since its inception, STM has donated $75M worth of instruments and technology to over 2,800 schools – impacting millions of students' lives in hundreds of communities nationwide. And we’re just getting started! Learn more at savethemusic.org.
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Press Contacts:
Lisa Gottheil (Grandstand), lisag@grandstandhq.com
Kate Jackson (Grandstand); katej@grandtandhq.com
Hallie Cross (Save The Music), hallie.cross@savethemusic.org
About Sweetwater
The No. 1 online retailer for music makers, Sweetwater is trusted and beloved by millions of musicians, audio engineers, teachers, band and orchestra directors, and podcasters who rely on the company to help advance their musical and creative journeys. From beginners to rock stars, music makers everywhere seek out Sweetwater’s industry-leading expertise, including in-depth product videos to inform their purchases and unrivaled post-care support. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and founded in 1979, Sweetwater Sound, LLC credits its four decades of growth to its 2,500 employees and its deep understanding of the profound connection that music makers have with their craft, their gear, and the creative process. Sweetwater is amplifying change through music and lifting up communities by creating, empowering, and caring about the music makers of tomorrow and today. For more information, visit Sweetwater.com.
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