The Partnership Brings the Power of Music to the Next Generation
The power of music can be life-changing, as evidenced by the recent collaboration between the Jaelan Phillips Foundation and the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
The Gift of Mentorship
Jaelan Phillips, a former University of Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman and University of Miami alumnus, surprised students at the Frost School of Music when he walked into their recording session and personally mentored them in music production and engineering.
“Music has the power to transform lives. Jaelan Phillips is a perfect example of how a passion for music can fuel and sustain you – no matter where life takes you. That’s why we’re grateful for The Jaelan Phillips Foundation’s support of MusicReach’s new music audio and engineering mentorship program. Our students were beyond thrilled to receive one-on-one mentorship from someone who has excelled on the football field, in the classroom, and in the music studio.” — Joseph Burleson, Director of Outreach, The Donna E. Shalala Music Reach Program at the Frost School of Music
The partnership was announced earlier this year, and it marked a significant expansion of the MusicReach Program, which has been helping underserved youth in the Miami-Dade community through unique and innovative music education programming since 2008.
- More than 10,000 students have participated in the MusicReach Program since its inception, developing critical life skills like motivation, confidence, leadership, and creativity.
- The program has also helped graduates receive scholarships and attend prestigious universities across the U.S., including the Frost School of Music.
The Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program works with over 16 community partners to provide music education to students from elementary to high school. The program offers a range of music-related activities, including beginning instrument lessons, music technology, vocal instruction, and music therapy.
| Program Components | Music Technology | Music Therapy | Beginning Instrument Lessons | Vocal Instruction |
| MusicReach Program | Provides students with hands-on experience in music technology, including audio engineering and beat-making. | Uses music therapy to promote social, emotional, and cognitive development in students. | Offers lessons in playing various instruments, such as guitars, violins, and drums. | Provides vocal instruction and training in singing techniques. |
The Jaelan Phillips Foundation has partnered with the MusicReach Program to provide additional support and resources, including mentorship and scholarships. This partnership is helping to give high school students access to cutting-edge training and mentorship in music production and engineering. “This is what it’s all about – seeing these MusicReach students light up as they grow more confident in their skills as musicians and artists. The talent in this studio is undeniable, and if these students continue to push themselves, be determined, and stay inspired, the possibilities for them are truly limitless. I’m honored for The Jaelan Phillips Foundation to play a role in showing each of these talented individuals that success is within reach – and it can be set to the soundtrack of their dreams!” — Jaelan Phillips
The Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program has been making a significant impact in the community, and this partnership with the Jaelan Phillips Foundation is helping to expand its reach and impact.
A Passion for Music
Jaelan Phillips has always been passionate about music, and he has found success in both football and music. “Football and music have always been my two biggest passions. People know me as a football player, but what many don’t realize is that music is just as big a part of my life. Being able to return to my alma mater, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where I learned so much and now be able to mentor students who share that same passion for music is a full-circle moment for me. I want to help the next generation of musicians chase their dreams just like I did.” — Jaelan Phillips
This partnership between the Jaelan Phillips Foundation and the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program is helping to make music education more accessible to students in the Miami-Dade community.
A New Era of Music Education
The partnership is also marking a new era in music education, one that combines traditional music education with modern technology and industry skills.
- The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami is one of the top music schools in the world, offering a range of programs and courses in music, music business, and music technology.
- The school is also known for its cutting-edge recording studios, which provide students with hands-on experience in music production and engineering.
- The partnership between the Jaelan Phillips Foundation and the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program is helping to bring these resources to a wider audience, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the music industry.
By providing mentorship and scholarships, the Jaelan Phillips Foundation is helping to give high school students the opportunity to pursue their passion for music and succeed in the music industry.
The Impact of the Partnership
The partnership between the Jaelan Phillips Foundation and the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program is having a significant impact on the community, providing students with access to music education and mentorship.
- The program has helped over 10,000 students develop critical life skills like motivation, confidence, leadership, and creativity.
- The program has also helped graduates receive scholarships and attend prestigious universities across the U.S., including the Frost School of Music.
By combining traditional music education with modern technology and industry skills, the partnership is helping to create a new era in music education, one that prepares students for success in the music industry.