Stars Align to Support Music Education at Music Will 2025 Benefit
Last Updated on April 11, 2025 by Erin Donahue
I had the privilege of photographing the star-studded 2025 Music Will Benefit red carpet at the iconic Gotham Hall in New York City. The event honored four music legends: Kristin Chenoweth, Wyclef Jean, Sara Bareilles, and Jackson Browne—all coming together for a cause that transforms young lives through music education.
A Night of Musical Excellence for a Greater Purpose
The annual benefit, held on April 9th, 2025, was a powerful demonstration of commitment to making music education accessible to all students across America. Michael Bearden, fresh from his role as Music Director for this year’s Academy Awards, served as the evening’s Music Director, ensuring the performances matched the significance of the occasion. Presented by the Hot Topic Foundation, the event featured special guest performances, a silent online auction, and compelling remarks from both artistic and business supporters.
Breaking Records for Music Education
The evening was a resounding success, raising nearly one million dollars to support Music Will’s mission. Thanks to a generous matching grant from The Wildflower Foundation, donations made during the event will have double the impact, extending the reach of music education to students who need it most.
Jerry Goldenson, President of KHS America, received the Visionary Award for his ongoing commitment to making music education accessible through providing high-quality, affordable instruments to schools nationwide.
The Impact of Music Will
As the largest nonprofit music education program for schools in the United States, Music Will has made remarkable strides since its founding in 2002. The organization has provided teacher training, curriculum, and instruments to over 6,000 schools across all 50 states, impacting more than 1.8 million students to date. Learn more at musicwill.org.
Support The Arts in Schools
As a former cellist in my high school’s chamber orchestra, I know firsthand how music education transforms students’ lives. Music isn’t just an extracurricular activity, it’s a vital channel for self-expression and cognitive development. Research consistently shows that students involved in the arts demonstrate improved academic performance across all subjects.
With the momentum from this year’s benefit, Music Will aims to impact 11 million students annually over the next five years through their direct programs. Their partnerships with over 100 colleges and universities also ensure that future teachers are prepared to foster student-led, culturally responsive learning from day one. The 2025 Music Will Benefit wasn’t just a night of celebration—it was an investment in the future of music education and the countless young lives it will transform.
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is the creative studio of Erin Donahue, offering photography, videography, and content creation services for brands, hotels, tourism boards, and publications.
Based in New York City, but available globally, this multi-disciplinary digital creative left a career in the hedge fund space to pursue her passion as a travel and brand photographer, creating imagery that resonates with audiences. She approaches every project with a focus on storytelling, producing visuals that engage and inspire.
Her work has been commissioned by brands like Sony, Apple, and Google, and the content she has created has reached millions across social media.
To keep up to date with everything she shares, follow along on social media and read up on what camera gear she uses to capture the shot.
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