Wasserman Music Partners With Save The Music Foundation To Fund J Dilla Music Tech Grants

Wasserman Music has teamed up with Save The Music Foundation on a five-year partnership that will fund Dilla Music Tech Grants in six high schools across Los Angeles and New York.

Today’s announcement explains that in addition to providing students with high-quality music education, the partnership will give kids the chance to connect with artists and industry leaders who can help inspire and support their creative journeys. 

“We are grateful to Wasserman Music for investing in the future of young creators,” Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save The Music, said in a statement. “Together, we’re not only equipping students with the tools to make music, but also opening doors to mentorship, career pathways, and the inspiration that comes from connecting with working artists and industry leaders.”

Wasserman Music President Lee Anderson said, “Music has shaped our lives, and we believe every young person deserves the same chance to experience that impact. With Save The Music, we can help ensure kids in our communities have access to the tools, education, and opportunities that spark a lifelong passion.”

The partnership will support one high school in Los Angeles and one in New York during the first year, with a launch including special events featuring Wasserman staff and clients, such as songwriting workshops, live student performances, executive-led panels, and student-produced podcast interviews. The following years of the partnership will alternate between the two cities

The first launch happened last week with an Oct. 8 event at Warren High School, part of the Downey Unified School District in Los Angeles, featuring Wasserman Music client Niko Rubio and several agency employees taking part in a career panel about how to break into the music industry.  

Moderated by Denise Melanson (VP of Social Impact), the panel included Marty Diamond (EVP & Managing Executive), Seven Jarrett (Coordinator, Global Festivals), Mika Posecion (Senior Director, Tour Marketing), Kevin Shivers (EVP & Managing Executive), Matt Rodriguez (EVP & Managing Executive) and Trey Many (Senior Vice President).

The launch event also included two workshops led by Save The Music’s partner, We Make Noise, along with Rubio. Today’s announcement notes that “students were tasked with creating melody motifs and beat overlays to Rubio’s tracks ‘Save Me’ and ‘Baby,’ with encouragement and songwriting advice from the multi-genre singer/songwriter. 

Music technology was recently added as a CTE pathway elective at Warren High School thanks to the Save The Music J Dilla Music Technology grant and Wasserman support. 

“It was so inspiring to see and be a part of what Save The Music is doing,” Wasserman Music EVP and Managing Executive Marty Diamond said. “The energy and talent from the students and faculty at Warren High was unforgettable, and it was great to spend the day with them and my colleagues celebrating the power of music.”

Wasserman Music represents Rubio worldwide except for Europe. Her agents are Diamond and Eli Gelernter. The agency’s website describes Rubio as a “proud Mexican-Salvadorian-American woman and a Los Angeles native,” whose sound incorporates “everything from traditional Mexican Ranchera music to nineties alternative rock and 21st century indie pop.” 

The next launch event from Wasserman Music and Save the Music will take place in New York on October 28.

Wasserman Music was named booking agency of the year at the Pollstar Awards in April for the second consecutive year.