As part of Tim Cook's 50th anniversary visit to New York City, he announced that Apple was going to help grow student music programs by expanding its partnership with Save The Music.
Arts programs are often the first to feel the effects when school funding falls through. And, as the Trump Administration continues to deprioritize arts education, many school music programs are headed for the chopping block.
On Tuesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that Apple would be expanding its partnership with Save the Music, a non-profit dedicated to bringing music programs to schools across the U.S.
Incredible to hear music created by students at Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts in Harlem with Maggie Rogers!
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 17, 2026
We're thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Save the Music, bringing music education to even more schools across the country. pic.twitter.com/pKbTfsn1yl
As part of the expansion, Cook dropped by the Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Harlem. He sat in on a brainstorming session as students used Apple products, like the iPad and AirPods Max, to create music.
Save the Music launched as VH1 Save the Music in 1997. It was created in response to ongoing budget cuts that put music programs at risk, specifically in under-served city school districts.
Under-served schools can apply for grants through the charity. Elementary schools are often provided with simple instruments like ukuleles and Orff xylophones. Middle schools and high schools receive ensemble and technology grants.
Save the Music rebranded as Save the Music in 2025 after it ended its affiliation with Paramount Global, the parent company of VH1. In the last 30 years, Save the Music has helped over 2,800 schools with grants for music programs.
