Music Will — the largest nonprofit music education program in U.S. public schools — held its annual benefit gala at Gotham Hall in New York City, celebrating the power of music and those who champion it.
This year’s honorees included Wyclef Jean (Music Innovator Award), Sara Bareilles (Luminary Award), Jackson Browne (Legacy Award), and Kristin Chenoweth (Inspire Award). The evening was emceed by Grammy-nominated musician Divinity Roxx and music directed by Michael Bearden, best known for his work with Michael Jackson and the 2025 Academy Awards.
The gala raised nearly $1 million, with donations matched by The Wildflower Foundation, doubling the impact to support music education in public schools. Funds will go toward free teacher training, instruments, and innovative classroom resources. Music Will’s goal is to reach 11 million students annually over the next five years through its Music as a Second Language® pedagogy.
Students from Ann Street School and Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy gave standout performances, including mashups of “Las Locuras Mias” and Selena’s “Amor Prohibido,” along with “Sugar, We’re Going Down” and “Hips Don’t Lie” — a nod to honoree Wyclef Jean. One student from Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy shared:
“I needed to build a life around sound and Dr. Sabbot helped me do that,” referring to their music teacher.
Music Will founder Dave Wish announced he will step down as Chief Vision Officer to join the organization’s advisory committee, stating:
“Music Will is building a movement to democratize music education so it reflects the direct students it impacts.”
Throughout the evening, honorees performed songs both personally significant and dedicated to the students. Highlights included Sara Bareilles singing “Brave,” Kristin Chenoweth performing “I Was Here,” Jackson Browne with “Running on Empty,” and Wyclef Jean delivering “Gone Till November” and a six-language freestyle during his speech. The night closed with a group performance of Bob Marley’s “One Love,” featuring Wyclef, Kristin Chenoweth, Divinity Roxx, students, and staff.
Additional awards and recognitions included the Visionary Award presented to Jerry Goldenson, President of KHS America, for his long-standing commitment to expanding access to music education through high-quality, affordable instruments.
The benefit also featured a silent auction and paddle raise, with prizes such as signed guitars from the honorees, experiences with Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway show Queen of Versailles, and autographed items from Dolly Parton, Bon Jovi, and The B-52s.
Presented by the Hot Topic Foundation and produced by MBM Entertainment, the event was co-chaired by Jonathan Shank (Terrapin Station Entertainment) and Gregory Hall (Pimco).
Music Will’s past honorees include Josh Groban, Andra Day, Smokey Robinson, Elvis Costello, Idina Menzel, and Babyface, with performances and appearances by Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Trombone Shorty, Alice Cooper, and many more.
With millions of students in the U.S. still lacking access to music education, Music Will continues its mission to bring music into the classroom — not only as a creative outlet but as a proven tool for academic success and personal growth.
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