Wasserman Music Funds J Dilla Tech Grants in LA and NYC High Schools

Wasserman Music has launched a five-year partnership with the Save The Music Foundation to support J Dilla Music Tech Grants at six high schools in Los Angeles and New York, aiming to broaden access to quality music education and connect students with professional artists and industry leaders.

Save The Music Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring music education in public schools, has invested $75 million in instruments and technology across 2,800 schools nationwide over 27 years. Through its collaboration with Wasserman Music, the foundation will focus on empowering students in culturally rich communities while bridging gaps in access to modern music technology and career opportunities.

In the first year of the partnership, one high school in Los Angeles and one in New York will receive support, with following years alternating between the two cities. Each launch will include songwriting workshops, live performances, student-led interviews and panels featuring Wasserman executives and clients.

The first event, held Oct. 8 at Warren High School in Downey, Calif., celebrated the school’s new music technology program, made possible by the Save The Music J Dilla grant and Wasserman’s support. Over 150 students from Warren High and Stauffer Middle School attended, engaging with a panel of Wasserman execs — including Marty Diamond, Kevin Shivers and Lee Anderson — and client Niko Rubio, who also led hands-on songwriting sessions with nonprofit partner We Make Noise.

The grants are named after J Dilla, a pioneering hip-hop producer and artist from Detroit who passed away in 2006 at age 32.

Wasserman president Lee Anderson said the company’s goal is to give young people “access to the tools, education, and opportunities that spark a lifelong passion.” Save The Music executive director Henry Donahue added that the partnership will help students open doors to “mentorship, career pathways and the inspiration that comes from connecting with working artists and industry leaders.” 

The next launch is set for October 28 in New York.