A key component of Law Rocks’ mission is to promote youth music education. In 2023, the Law Rocks Board founded the Music Matters grant, given to a local nonprofit that supports youth music education in each of our US tour cities. Omi Crawford, Executive Director of Law Rocks, says of the grant initiative:
“Law Rocks has always been about championing nonprofits, especially local organizations that make a real difference in their community. The Music Matters grant deepens that commitment, helping support music education organizations nationwide as they change young lives through the power of music. It’s inspiring and exciting to learn more about each organizations work, truly one of the best things about this work!”
Today’s spotlight is on our 2026 Law Rocks Washington DC Music Matters grant recipient, FAME - Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education. FAME’s mission is to give every young musician the best opportunity to succeed in life by providing music training and academic support. We first awarded FAME with a Music Matters grant in 2024, and are thrilled to have selected the organization as a grant recipient for the third time.
We recently checked in with the FAME Team to hear what the organization has been up to over the past year. Read on to learn more in our spotlight interview below!
One of two 2026 Washington DC Music Matters Grant Recipients: FAME - Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education | Photo by Jeremy Norwood | Courtesy of FAME
1) What new successes or milestones have you achieved since we last spoke?
Despite significant funding reductions, FAME expanded access to its transformative music and academic programs through its Come for the Music, Stay for the Math initiative at Andrew Jackson Academy. The program serves 160 students in grades 5–8, more than 85% of whom qualify for free or reduced-price meals. This growth was made possible through the generous support of FAME alumni and community partners, including the Mount Rose Links organization.
Through this innovative program, which integrates music instruction, math tutoring, music technology and production, and creative learning, FAME equips students with the academic, technical, artistic, and life skills needed to thrive. Weekly one-on-one and small-group instruction strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and technical proficiency while building confidence and engagement.
FAME has partnered with Andrew Jackson Academy since 2023 in response to low math proficiency and learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a key component of FAME's Music Is Central program, this initiative provides targeted, evidence-based instruction designed to improve academic achievement, foster personal growth, and prepare students for long-term success.
The FAME Jazz Band and Artistic Director, Langston Hughes II | Photo by Jeremy Norwood | Courtesy of FAME
2) Can you share an example of how your programs or initiatives have positively impacted the community in the past year?
We’ve seen students grow not only as musicians, but as individuals—with stronger voices, stronger identities, and bigger dreams. Music becomes a bridge—connecting them to their peers, their culture, and their potential.
In our signature program, the FAME Jazz Band, FAME provides students with year round tuition free opportunities they might not otherwise receive—music education, academic tutoring, and pathways to college and careers. In this program which started in 2015, the results speak for themselves, our students exceeded the state’s GPA, graduation and SAT state averages. This year’s graduates are going on to pursue a wide range of college degrees and careers —53% will major in music and 42 % major in other professional fields i.e. engineering, cyber security, business and education. They were accepted in top schools such as the University of Maryland (UMD) , Berklee School of Music, Hampton University, Purdue University, and Temple University. Sixty-five received full or partial four-year scholarships. That balance reflects our goal, not to just create musicians, but to develop well-rounded, successful individuals who contribute in a major way to society.
Photo by Ana Tantaros | Courtesy of FAME
3) Have any new programs or initiatives been introduced since our last conversation that you are particularly excited about?
FAME is planning its Creative Arts Pathways program, in partnership with UMD, Berklee College of Music, and Juilliard to build pipelines and certifications in music, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & music technology and production.
High school Students will be encouraged to complete arts-focused sequences that include internships, projects, performances, and/or industry-recognized credentials to prepare them for college and careers in the creative economy. Our focus will go beyond performance and provide a structured pathway from music education to careers.
4) What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work over the past year?
The most rewarding aspect of FAME's work this year has been witnessing students discover their potential and working with community organizations and universities to provide high-quality music instruction, academic support, and mentorship that helped young people grow in confidence, improve academically, and envision brighter futures.
5) What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
In the coming year, we are looking forward to providing greater access to our programming by serving more students, strengthening partnerships with schools and community organizations, and expanding creative learning experiences.
6) What is your favorite thing about having your organization take part in a Law Rocks event?
Exposure to the Law Rocks event expanded the dreams of the students that attended with FAME's leadership. Having the opportunity to talk with the lawyers and performers gave the much appreciation and was inspiring for them.
Songwriting workshop with 2x Grammy nominee and recording artist, Eric Roberson | Photo by James Hartridge | Courtesy of FAME.
Learn more about FAME.
Get tickets to The 11th Annual Law Rocks Washington DC.
Header photo by Jeremy Norwood
