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 The MusicianShip, one of two 2026 Law Rocks Washington DC Music Matters Grant recipients. The mission of The MusicianShip is “to empower youth and emerging musicians from communities throughout the DC metropolitan region and beyond by providing free music education and enrichment programs that build skills and amplify talents, resulting in positive life-changing outcomes.” We first awarded The MusicianShip with a Music Matters grant in 2023, and are thrilled to have selected the organization as a grant recipient for the second time.
We caught up with Dana Nearing, Deputy Executive Director of The MusicianShip, who shared some fun developments that have occurred since our last Nonprofit Spotlight. Keep reading to learn more!
One of two 2026 Washington DC Music Matters Grant Recipients: The MusicianShip | Photo courtesy of The MusicianShip
1) Can you share an example of how your programs or initiatives have positively impacted the community in the past year?
In March of 2026, we hosted the 37th Annual Wammie Music Awards, the premier music awards ceremony in the region. Through this event, we continue to amplify the heartbeat of our music community in the Washington Metropolitan Area. We recognize talent, celebrate achievements, and propel the future of music. Ultimately, we are helping the DMV music ecosystem thrive and support the next generation of creatives, activists and change-makers. We filled the room with over 800 stakeholders from across the region, awarded 50+ awards to the best of the best across 19 genres of music and honored seven individuals/organizations making a difference in our community. The Wammies is the channel through which we continue to build and strengthen our community and keep the DMV music scene on the map.
Photo courtesy of The MusicianShip
2) Have any new programs or initiatives been introduced since our last conversation that you are particularly excited about?
In partnership with Chuck Levin’s Music Center, we secured new batch of violins and violas! Just this past May, we were finally able to launch our very first string ensemble experience, a six-week program designed to introduce students at Rocketship Rise Academy in SE DC to this artform. Under the direction of Simeon Morrow and Franklin Villalta, our students were given expert instruction, a new experience and the opportunity to explore new possibilities in music.
Photo courtesy of The MusicianShip
3) What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
We are most excited to cultivate new partnerships (i.e. schools, other nonprofits, etc.) all in an effort to expand our reach to more students.
4) What is your favorite thing about having your organization take part in a Law Rocks event?
Law Rocks gets it! We love being in a space where everyone understands the value of music and how much it can enrich someones existence. We greatly appreciate your partnership and welcome every opportunity to grow it. Together, we can make a greater impact ultimately to the benefit of those who will come after us.
Learn more about The MusicianShip.
Get tickets to The 11th Annual Law Rocks Washington DC.
