Five to fightJohn Ondrasik is INCREDIBLY passionate about music. The man and voice behind hits like “The riddle” He has been part of the industry for twenty years, during which time he has seen the business (like much of the world) change considerably, and not always for the better. He believes it has changed negatively through how music education has been removed from curricula across the United States, and how that has impacted, and continues to impact, people's lives.
The “Music Matters Challenge”, created by John and the Tullman Family Office, released last month. The challenge asks and invites Americans to create their own version of the song “Let Music Fill My World,” sharing how the music has impacted, affected and/or helped them. The aim of the challenge is to highlight the importance of music and the impact its removal from music has had, has had and will continue to have unless something is done to change the situation.
Two grand prizes will be announced on June 12; one for an individual ($10,000 cash and the opportunity to select a music teacher to receive a three-year salary) and another for school entry (a $25,000 school grant). Anyone interested in participating or who wants to find more information can do so here. John shares more details about the challenge and the creation of it, as well as his plans/hopes to return to this side of the pond in our conversation below.
As someone who has been part of the music industry for two decades, you will no doubt have come across various campaigns and projects to spread the importance of music and music education. What made you connect and get involved with/create this, the “Music Matters Challenge”?
When funding for music was cut at my elementary school, my mom volunteered and started putting on full-length musicals for our 6th class grade. (I was Tony in West Side Story!) Forty-five years later, many of those kids still talk to my mother about how important that experience was in their lives. I have also seen music work miracles throughout my career by saving and changing lives. The Challenge was born from my work with ALS patients and the Ice Bucket Challenge. Think of this as an ice bucket challenge to ensure that every child in America has a music teacher!
Can you tell us how you came to know or collaborate with The Tullman Family Office, particularly Cayley Tullman?
I've known Glen Tullman for years and have always been amazed at how he combines his business acumen with incredible philanthropic work. I met his daughter Cayley, who runs her family’s nonprofit portfolio most recently when they supported my trip to Ukraine to film the “Can One Man Save the World” video with a Ukrainian orchestra. Cayley's prior service in our federal government and her compassionate heart for so many incredible causes around the world inspired me to join forces with the Tullman family on Let Music Fill My World. It is an honor to work with both of them.
Tell me about “Let Music Fill My World,” the song that finally started it all. What are your memories of working with students at Farragut Career Academy in Chicago? When did she realize that this idea she had and the creative period she was participating in with others could be used on a broader platform like today?
I think I learned more from the students than they learned from me! None of them had much experience in music, but with the exception of the chorus, they wrote the entire lyrics and gave a fantastic performance. The kids were a little shy at first, but seeing them come out of their shell, find their voice, and come together is why this effort is so important. Once we saw the reaction to the song and the fact that Farragut Career Academy, thanks to the Tullman family, was now going to have a full-time music teacher, we wanted to take the mission and the song to the nation.
Ignoring the fact that social media and the internet as we know it today didn't exist until about 2 decades ago, would a challenge/campaign like this be something you would have liked to see when you were in school and as a child?
I would be! I think the beauty of this project is that everyone can tell a story and perform a part of “Let Music Fill My World” with their voice. Not only are we raising awareness about music in schools and providing a music teacher for a school in need, but it's also fun for all of you to participate. You don't have to be a singer to make a difference; in fact, that can be even more engaging and entertaining!
Music is a useful tool for many (I have “music is therapy” tattooed on my lower back) and can provide an escape and comfort to those who play, listen to, and watch it. Why do you think that now, more than ever, the importance of music and its education is being brought to the forefront in this way by individuals like yourself and organizations like TFO?
Music is not extracurricular! All metrics show that children who have music in their schools achieve better academic results, have stronger social skills, and healthier overall mental well-being. You are seeing that cutting-edge music therapy in hospitals is growing exponentially. I think everyone who has had a music teacher or someone who has mentored them through music would agree. Great tattoo!
What do you hope this campaign will result in in the long term, both for those who participate and for those who follow it or are fans of the music?
“Let Music Fill My World” is a long-term effort. The Challenge is just phase one. I hope everyone enters the Challenge and joins our mission. We won't stop until every school in America has a music teacher.
As a Brit, I can tell you that music education here also doesn't get the time or focus it should. Would you like other countries in the world to take on a challenge like this?
Well… the song is not “Let Music Fill America”… We hope to partner with international organizations that share our passion and mission. In my opinion, music has never been more critical in addressing many of the humanitarian crises we are experiencing globally.
Many online communities, causes and projects can and sometimes do have a bad (often undeserved) reputation. Outside of this campaign, what do you personally think of the rise of online interaction among multiple, albeit notably younger, generations? As an artist, do you see it as a good or bad thing?
Like everything, there is the good, the bad and the ugly. It's amazing that with one click we can reach people thousands of miles away and involve them in projects like this. I lament the fact that young people spend so much time immersed in their devices instead of personally interacting and experiencing the world around them. The good thing about playing music is that you have to put the phone down!
Finally, outside and a little away from the campaign, which will run until May, you are currently on tour in the US. Perhaps you are highlighting this campaign in your shows or are you just enjoying being on tour, interacting on a more personal level? through your music with fans? Could UK fans see you soon?
At the end of each concert, we play “Let Music Fill My World” and I talk about the mission. I look forward to the day I return to the UK and perform for America's greatest ally. I need to see your tattoo too!
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