Mission
Friends of the Wynwood School of Music breaks down financial barriers so young musicians can pursue their passion as a pathway to college and career. Through scholarships for private lessons and band ensemble programs, we equip students with mentorship, training, and performance experiences that prepare them for college scholarships and professional opportunities in the music and entertainment industry.
HISTORY
The Music Matters Scholarship Fund, founded by Levi Gans in 2022, was created to open doors for highly talented, under-resourced students who show exceptional promise in music but lack access to private instruction. From this initiative, the Friends of the Wynwood School of Music was born, a program where selected students receive fully funded, intensive one-on-one lessons with professional instructors at the Wynwood School of Music.
Students chosen for this opportunity must demonstrate a strong commitment to both their academic success and musical growth. The program is designed to prepare them for the next level, whether that means competing for a full-ride college music scholarship or advancing through pre-professional training.
By removing financial barriers, the Music Matters Scholarship unlocks the full potential of Miami’s next generation of musicians. All donations are fully tax-deductible and go directly toward instruction, materials, and personalized coaching for deserving students.
Music matters. For these students, it’s a pathway to college, and your support makes it possible.
Alumni Scholarship Recipients
Deo Budnevich
College: Berklee College of Music
Major: Music Performance
Grad Year: 2029
“The scholarship gave me the opportunity to further my music education when I couldn’t afford to myself. Without the Levi Gans scholarship, I wouldn’t have had the aid for my journey through college auditions.”
Guerwen Gue
College: Berklee College of Music
Major: Music Education & Performance
Grad Year: 2027
“Receiving a full-ride scholarship to Berklee College of Music for Education & Performance has been life-changing. It all started with a guitar class in sixth grade, and since then, I’ve grown into a musician who’s had the opportunity to perform with incredible artists like Shaun Martin and Richard Bona. This scholarship has truly opened doors I never imagined possible.”
Amber Diaz
College: The New School
Major: Politics and Jazz Vocal Dual Degree
Grad Year: 2028
“The Music Matters Scholarship opened countless doors for me as a student musician. The teachers at the Wynwood School of Music have helped me immensely, guiding me to improve my skills. With their support, I’ve mastered and performed in various genres and been part of numerous ensembles. I’m so grateful for the amazing teaching I received through this scholarship.”
Jeremy Chavarria
College: Berklee School of Music
Major: Music Performance
Grad Year: 2028
“Receiving a full-ride scholarship to Berklee College of Music has been a transformative experience. With the support of the Levi Gans Scholarship and a private instructor, I was able to hone my skills and build my confidence as a musician. As I begin my first semester at Berklee, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has made possible.”
Our Impact
Since its launch, Friends of Wynwood School of Music has helped young musicians transform their passion into professional and academic success.
$2 million in college scholarships earned by our students
8 full-ride scholarship recipients to top music schools
40% first-generation college students supported
Graduates attending Berklee College of Music, The New School, Frost School of Music, and Miami-Dade College
Music matters fund - scholarship application
This scholarship is for students who would like to take their musical talents to the next level and have a significant level of financial need. Students applying for this scholarship must be serious about both their schoolwork and musical careers. Students will be taught by a highly educated instructor working at the Wynwood School of Music in a 3 month intensive 1 on 1 program. This will give students the opportunity to receive appropriate coaching to compete for a full-ride music scholarship to college. Students must be able to work out their transportation to the Wynwood School of Music. The scholarship will include bus passes as needed.
Address: 1260 NW 29th Street #103, Miami, FL 33142
Phone: 305-359-5515
Email: info@friendsofwsm.org
Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 99-4110235