Playing It Forward: EKS Music School’s 2026–2027 Theme

We’re proud to celebrate our Educational Partner, EKS Music School, as they make giving back and playing it forward the focus of their 2026–2027 school year.

Their theme says it beautifully:

Making Music. Giving Back. PLAY IT FORWARD.

At EKS, the goal is to help students see music as something bigger than weekly lessons. As their musical abilities grow, students are being encouraged to think about how their music can bring happiness, comfort, connection, and encouragement to others.

And that raises an important question:

How do students learn to play it forward?

When teachers lead by example. 🫶🏻

Students don't just learn from what their teachers say. They learn from what their teachers do.

When teachers demonstrate that music can be shared generously, that performances can serve a community, and that musical ability carries a responsibility to give back, students begin to understand that service is part of what it means to be a musician.

That's a powerful lesson.

EKS plans to create opportunities throughout the year for students to use their musical abilities in service of their community through performances, outreach projects, and other acts of giving. Their first Play It Forward community service project will begin in October.

This approach closely reflects what we believe at VMA Foundation: young musicians don't simply need more opportunities to perform—they need meaningful reasons to use their music.

When educators lead the way, students discover that their music can do more than fill a room.

It can connect people.

It can bring joy.

It can comfort.

And it can make a difference.

We’re grateful to EKS Music School for helping model what it means to be a Young Musician Who Serves.

Here’s to a year of making music, giving back, and playing it forward! 🎶