Chad Smith Foundation Launches Nationwide After-School Music Education Initiative
The initiative kicks off in Milwaukee with local partnerships to build sustainable music programs for students.
The Chad Smith Foundation announced today the launch of its After-School Music Program (AMP), a nationwide effort to expand access to high-quality music education through local after-school programming. The initiative will provide financial and operational support to community organizations where students can participate in hands-on music learning.
Milwaukee will serve as the launch city for the national effort through partnerships with four local organizations: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, the Salvation Army, Notes for Notes and Running Rebels.
"Music has the power to change lives, and every child deserves the chance to experience that. AMP is about bringing instructors, instruments and opportunities directly to kids, so they can discover their own voice through music." — Chad Smith, Co-founder, Chad Smith Foundation
The Milwaukee launch reflects the Foundation's commitment to building long-term partnerships with trusted community organizations that already serve young people. By embedding music education into existing after-school programs, AMP aims to create sustainable, accessible programming that can grow alongside the students and communities it serves.
"The biggest barrier that both current and aspiring young musicians face is the lack of access to consistent, high-quality music education. Through AMP, we're meeting students where they are and bringing instrument instruction directly into after-school programs, creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow and express themselves through music." — Lewis Smith, Executive Director, Chad Smith Foundation
The AMP Model
AMP is built around a wraparound model that provides the support local after-school programs need to focus on helping students develop their musical skills and creativity. The model focuses on three key areas:
Instructor Funding and Placement: The Foundation will source qualified music instructors and work with after-school partners to place them directly at program sites. The Foundation will fully underwrite the cost of instruction, ensuring that programs have access to high-quality educators while instructors are paid a fair and sustainable wage.
Music Equipment: To ensure every site is set up for success, the Foundation will provide instruments, equipment and curriculum resources needed to deliver meaningful music instruction and hands-on learning opportunities.
Perks Program: Long-term success in music education depends on sustained engagement from both instructors and students. AMP reinforces this through a perks system, where consistent participation unlocks exclusive opportunities. These benefits may include concert tickets, performance opportunities, access to professional music environments, opportunities to meet established artists, and special experiences such as playing alongside Foundation co-founder Chad Smith.
Become Part of the Effort
The Chad Smith Foundation encourages supporters to turn up the volume on music education. Through broader support for AMP, more students can benefit from rich music education experiences. This is part of the larger effort by the Chad Smith Foundation to expand sustainable music programs nationwide.
Chad Smith will personally match donations, up to $100,000, giving supporters the chance to double their impact. Every gift creates access, fuels creativity and opens doors for the next generation of artists.