AXS TV Band Together

AXS TV Band Together Logo

AXS TV joins forces with our affiliate partners for "AXS TV's Band Together For Music Education", an initiative to support vital music education programs and the benefits they provide for students. We target programs that lack funding but have exemplary teachers, leadership and instruction to receive grants from AXS TV to support music education in schools.

The Benefits of Music Education

Music education offers a range of benefits that extend beyond just learning to play an instrument or sing. Here are some key advantages:

  1. Cognitive Development: Music education enhances various cognitive skills, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Learning to read music and play an instrument involves complex mental processes that can boost overall cognitive function.
  2. Academic Achievement: Studies have shown that students involved in music education often perform better academically. The skills learned through music, like pattern recognition and sequential processing, can transfer to other subjects, improving performance in areas such as math and reading.
  3. Emotional Expression: Music provides a powerful outlet for emotional expression. It helps individuals process and articulate feelings, which can be especially beneficial for personal well-being and mental health.
  4. Social Skills: Participating in group music activities, like ensembles or choirs, fosters teamwork and collaboration. It helps students develop communication skills, learn to work with others, and build a sense of community.
  5. Discipline and Patience: Learning an instrument or mastering musical techniques requires practice and perseverance. This discipline can translate to other areas of life, teaching patience and the value of consistent effort.
  6. Creativity: Music education encourages creativity and imagination. It allows individuals to explore different forms of artistic expression and develop their own unique style and voice.
  7. Cultural Awareness: Exposure to different musical genres and traditions broadens one's understanding of various cultures. It promotes appreciation for diversity and can foster a greater sense of global connection.
  8. Physical Coordination: Playing an instrument often involves complex hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. For younger children, this can aid in developing physical coordination and spatial awareness.
  9. Self-Esteem and Confidence: Mastering a piece of music or performing in front of an audience can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence. It provides a sense of achievement and pride in one's abilities.
  10. Stress Relief: Engaging in music can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to unwind. It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to overall mental and emotional well-being.

Overall, music education enriches lives in numerous ways, making it a valuable component of a well-rounded education.

Our Affiliate Partners

AXS TV Band Together School Grant Recipients

2024 Grant Recipients

School girl playing a classical guitar in a music class
  • Harrison County High School — Berry, KY
  • Fernando Pullman Community Arts Center — Los Angeles, CA
  • James Whitcomb Riley School 43 — Indianapolis, IN
  • N.Y.C. Lab School for Collaborative Studies — New York, NY
  • Macon County High School Theatre Dept. (through North Central Telephone Cooperative) - Lafayette, TN
  • Okoboji Community School District - Milford, IA
  • AXS TV and Spectrum joined forces with The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus to provide young people, communities and schools with workshops and interactive experiences to produce music and video. Learn more at LennonBus.org

2023 Grant Recipients

Young student practicing the clarinet
  • Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) — Los Angeles, CA
  • Harvey Rice Wraparound School — Cleveland, OH
  • London Elementary School — Corpus Christi, TX
  • Deep Springs Elementary School — Lexington, KY
  • Eagle Academy for Young Men — Queens, NY
  • Heights Murray Elementary School — Wilkes-Barre, PA
  • Will Rogers Academy — San Antonio, TX
  • Canyon Elementary School — Kemmerer, WY
  • Red Lake Elementary School — Red Lake, MN
  • West Elementary School — Butte, MT

2022 Grant Recipients

Music student being shown how to play piano
  • Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) — Los Angeles, CA
  • Eastmoor Academy — Columbus, OH
  • Dr. Billy E. Dade Middle School — Dallas, TV
  • Prine Elementary School — Bradenton, FL
  • Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School — Queens, NY

What You Can Do

Music Education Supporter

Here are some ways to support music education:

Apply for grants

Grants can help expand or start music programs and can also fund professional development. Some foundations that provide grants for music education include:

Fundraise

Fundraising can be a vital supplement to school budgets, especially at the high school level.

Donate

Donate to these worthy organizations that support music education:

Encourage student participation

Music programs are often targeted for budget cuts when there's a lack of student interest or participation.

Provide resources

Music teachers may need access to instruments, equipment, materials, and space.

Support the right instruments

Having access to the right instruments can help students progress in their music education, both in and out of school.

Balance music education

It's important to balance music education with other activities, like academic responsibilities and leisure time.

Schools

AXS TV Band Together grants are awarded to deserving schools through our local affiliate TV providers. If you are interested in receiving an AXS TV Band Together grant for your school's music education program, contact your local TV provider/AXS TV affiliate and let them know you'd like to be considered for a grant. They can contact AXS TV to request on your behalf.

AXS TV Affiliates

Contact Cindy Ronzoni (cronzoni@axs.tv) at AXS TV if you and your local school would like to be considered to receive a grant.