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Our approach

Modern band is a new kind of school music program

Modern band flips the script on traditional music education.

Instead of teaching students what to play, we help them choose why and how—using the music they love and the tools that speak to their generation. In a modern band classroom, students learn by doing: playing in bands, producing beats, writing lyrics, and collaborating with their peers from day one.

This isn’t music education for a select few. It’s a movement for all students—regardless of skill level, background, or zip code. And it’s making music class the most joyful, relevant part of the school day.

Modern Band Workshops

Modern Band Makes a Difference

How We Do It

Bringing Modern Band to Life

We don’t just design music programs—we equip and empower educators to bring modern band to life in their classrooms.

Here’s how:

Comprehensive Training

Hands-on workshops, online courses, and professional development events prepare teachers—regardless of prior music experience—to lead modern band classes with confidence.

Curriculum & Resources

Our flexible, standards-aligned curriculum includes hundreds of popular songs and culturally relevant materials that are easy to teach and meaningful to students.

Instruments & Gear

When possible, we help schools get the instruments and equipment they need—from guitars and keyboards to amps and drum kits—so students of all backgrounds can participate fully.

Ongoing Support

Our educator network connects thousands of teachers across the country to share ideas, collaborate, and grow together as modern music education leaders.

Impact

Our modern band program has been adopted by nearly 1,000 school districts across the country since 2002 and has grown into a national movement.

1.8M

students served

100K

instruments and equipment donated

6,000

schools supported

Mission & Impact

Student Outcomes

When teachers bring modern band into their classrooms, students show up, speak up, and shine. Our modern band program creates belonging, joy, and breakthrough moments that shape students—and their futures—for life.

%

of our educators say Music Will’s curriculum provides tools to support students with disabilities

%

report better attendance, with many students saying that modern band is the reason they show up each day

%

of our programs include students who had previously not engaged in music class

"I’m so excited to have experienced how fun and easy this can be for beginner students, and am thrilled to now have two electric guitars, a keyboard and Jam Cards to get them started with this. We are ready to rock!”

Sarah Vance

Elementary School Music Teacher, Fort Colins, CO

"I wouldn’t have even considered myself a musician before Music Will got involved…just a classroom teacher who loved music. But now, Music Will has made musicians out of all of us. Me and my kids. It’s transformed my practice. Everybody can participate and everybody can play.”

Jennifer Klonsky

Teacher, Chicago, IL

“Modern Band truly changed my life. I know that sounds crazy, but it did! I was burned out, and I was losing my passion for teaching. I attended the 101 workshop with a few of my colleagues and I found my passion again! Thank you a million times over!”

Jennifer G.

Teacher, CO

“I have had multiple students this year tell me that the only reason they decided to show up for school was my modern band class.”

Melissa N.

Teacher, OR

“I had a 6th grader with no work ethic or sense of responsibility who became our lead drummer. He very quickly figured out what it meant to be a leader, even if he struggles with taking that role seriously. His parents are proud of him in this way for the first time.”

Jake D.

Teacher, CO

“I had a high-risk student who, to all intents and purposes, had dropped out. He came back, was in both Modern Band and Music Technology, and became our featured rapper. He graduated in May, and is going to college for Music Production. He sent me a letter saying, ’Thank you for always believing in me and helping me through a low point in my life.’”

Rodney D.

Teacher, TX

“One of my students hated being in my class until he realized that he could perform rap music. By the time we had our final, he said he wanted to continue writing rap lyrics and taking more music classes.”

Jolly R.

Teacher, CA

“I have students who are not piano students teaching themselves how to play using MusicWill.org.”

Sheryl S.

Teacher, CT

“I have a student who refused to perform on stage for the last 3 years. He cried just at the thought of a concert. His mom supported me by making him perform despite his fear. This year, he sang a solo with zero tears in front of a huge audience. It was due to the student-centered learning and easy approach that gave him the confidence to show everyone what he is capable of.”

Amanda C.

Teacher, CO

“One of the coolest moments this year was when one of my students with extremely limited English was able to read a song chart using diagrams and was even able to help other students! A testament to how well this curriculum works!”

Abree R.

Teacher, IA

“In Modern Band rehearsal recently, we were trying out new instruments and I heard this student say to himself, ‘It’s okay, I can do this,’ which I had never heard him say before. I am looking forward to seeing him and other students continue to flourish throughout the remainder of the school year.”

Julie T.

Teacher, NY

"I also feel that the Music Will materials were EMPOWERING for my female students in grade 4/5, who got to play in rock bands, and it's not something they had ever imagined they'd be doing!"

Kathleen T.

Teacher, CT

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