Let Music Fill My World, a privately funded non-profit launched by the Tullman Family Office (TFO) and Grammy-nominated artist Five For Fighting aka John Ondrasik, is excited to announce the return of theMusic Matters Challenge, a nationwide competition aimed at rekindling the transformative power of music education in schools across the country. Kicking off today, February 3rd, 2025, and running through May 30th, 2025, the Challenge offers participants the chance to compete for prizes while making a lasting impact through the power of music.
Over the past two decades, funding for music education has faced significant cuts, leaving many schools without music programs and teachers. Let Music Fill My World is on a mission to reverse this trend and provide all students in America the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of music education. The Music Matters Challenge offers individuals and schools the chance to be a part of this powerful national movement.
Let Music Fill My World unites music and music education nonprofits into a powerful coalition to drive broader strategic investments and maximize collective impact. To fuel this effort, Let Music Fill My World partners with organizations across key sectors including — Advocacy & Research, Instruments & Technology, Teacher Resources, Community Engagement, and Funding Access — creating an interconnected ecosystem strengthening the entire field. Through this coalition, Let Music Fill My World aims to break down silos, foster innovation, and leverage shared resources to expand access and opportunity. Let Music Fill My World champions the idea that lasting solutions to inequitable access to music education can only be achieved through collective action, and invites all music and music education nonprofits to join their mission.
In 2023, Let Music Fill My World showcased the transformative power of music education on the West Side of Chicago in partnership with Farragut Career Academy. The collaboration resulted in the creation of an original song, “Let Music Fill My World,” co-written by John Ondrasik and Farragut students during after-school workshops. Participating students not only wrote heartfelt lyrics and recorded the song professionally, but also had the opportunity to produce a music video with industry experts. As part of this initiative, Let Music Fill My World funded a full-time music educator for Farragut Career Academy for a three-year period.
“At a time when many schools around the country have either eliminated or reduced music and arts programs, Let Music Fill My World is on a mission to demonstrate the value of music education for youth and society. Robust research identifies music as a powerful resource capable of enhancing creativity, problem solving, communication skills, adaptability, and teamwork. These are the very skills future generations will require to respond effectively to rapidly changing opportunities in the workforce.” says Cayley Tullman, Co-Founder of Let Music Fill My World and President of the Tullman Family Office.
John Ondrasik expressed his excitement for the launch of the latest Music Matters Challenge, stating, “I’m thrilled to launch another Music Matters Challenge with my partners at Let Music Fill My World! The video submissions from both individuals and school choirs have been incredible, and the fact this will lead to funding another full-time music teacher for a school in need is the perfect crescendo!”
Let Music Fill My World’s experience at Farragut reinforced the organization’s mission to further turn up the volume with the launch of the Music Matters Challenge — creating a new influx of funding into this space and opening the door for more people to share their stories about the impact of music.
Last year's Individual Prize winner, Jesse Robitaille, impressed with his creativity and multi-instrumental talent, used his cash prize to release music like "The Other Boys," which won the Hollywood Independent Music Award for Best Rock/Pop Song. In addition to the cash prize, Jesse also assisted Let Music Fill My World with selecting a school to receive $300,000 for a 3-year salary for a music teacher. Last year’s $25,000 School Prize winner, Arapahoe Holbrook Public School, stood out for their technical vocal performance and deep connection to music. The grant will cover travel, lodging, performance fees, making their once-in-a-lifetime dream of performing at Carnegie Hall a reality this October 2025.
Participants in the Music Matters Challenge can enter for a chance to win a range of prizes, including:
- $25,000 School Grant – A prize for schools to support music programming and initiatives.
- $10,000 Cash Prize – For the individual winner, which can be used to advance their music career.
- $300,000 Grant for a Full-Time Music Teacher – The individual winner will also have the opportunity to help select a school to receive a grant up to $300,000 to fund the salary of a full-time music teacher for three years.
How To Enter:
Share Your Story
- Write a short narrative (up to 250 words) explaining how music has positively influenced your life. This could include a memorable moment with a music teacher, a life-changing concert, or even how you’ve used music to inspire others.
Showcase Your Talent
- Create a rendition of the chorus of “Let Music Fill My World” (video up to 2 minutes).
- Get creative — whether it’s singing, dancing, beatboxing, rapping, or playing an instrument, we want to see your unique take on the song!
- Submissions can be as short as 30 seconds, with the goal to be 2 minutes or less, and must highlight your creativity and passion for music.
Submit Your Entry
- Upload your story and video by May 30, 2025 via our submission platform at https://letmusicfillmyworld.com/challenge/
- Ensure your contact information is accurate so we can reach you if you’re a finalist!
The Music Matters Challenge is open to individuals and schools across the country. Whether a rising artist, a seasoned musician, or part of a school community, this is a chance to make a real impact and help bring music back to classrooms that need it most. For more information on how to enter the challenge and make a difference, visitwww.LetMusicFillMyWorld.org.
