J Dilla Music Technology Grant

J Dilla is to rhythm what John Coltrane is to harmony and Louis Armstrong is to melody. He is the first and only hip-hop producer ever to influence and affect the way traditional musicians play their instruments. By combining straight and swung elements in his productions, J Dilla cultivated sonic landscapes that explored the conflict between the two, and the new and exciting emotional reactions generated by this innovative approach. An inspiration to a whole new generation of young beat makers, musicians, and artists – in the words of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson: “J Dilla is the producer’s producer’s producer.”

“J Dilla is without question, one of the illest beat makers…ever.”

– Pharrell Williams

“The Coltrane of Hip Hop.”

– Madlib

“It was incredible to have J Dilla in your dining room making beats – it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had.”

– Common

“It’s like he was making Quincy Jones production sessions inside his MPC.”

– Kanye West

“J Dilla is the top producer of all time in my book.”

– Ty Dolla Sign

“He understood music. He applied that to his work.”

– Q-Tip

The Importance of Music Tech Grants for Musicians

The role of technology in music has never been more pronounced than it is in today’s modern world. We wouldn’t have a lot of the talented musicians we have today, nor would the music industry have advanced so drastically, if it weren’t for innovations spurred by tech.

Music tech provides artists with new forms and mediums for expression, as well as providing increased access to resources. For example, music technology can open up a new world for those who may not be able to afford years of lessons to learn how to play an instrument.

Not to mention that nearly all professional songs today are produced in a recording studio with sophisticated equipment. It allows musicians to create music faster, enables them to experiment with new sounds, and helps songs reach millions of people worldwide.

In schools, technology is vital for efficiently teaching music to students. They can aid in instruction during school hours, as well as practice at home. Technology is also an alternative for schools with limited funds, as music tech is often far less expensive than investing in equipment and instruments.

The problem is that many schools find it hard to secure funding and as a result, are unable to add technology to their music programs. This is where music technology grants are essential, giving students access to the resources they need to learn and grow from music.

Music production grants for music producers in grades 9-12 can help give any student access to the tools they need to learn and feel like they’re part of a community. Save the Music is dedicated to providing music technology grant opportunities to students who are passionate about the musical arts. Read more about our J Dilla music technology grant below.

Save The Music J Dilla Music Technology Grant

Grades 9-12

J Dilla ultimately, directly or indirectly, inspired everyone doing it now. That’s why we are excited about the J Dilla Music Tech Grant focused on delivering the future of music learning through innovative tech tools and curriculum. This revolutionary program reflects how music is being made today by bringing integrated 21st century training techniques to local communities and school districts. Our goal is to bring out students’ inner creativity, talent, and confidence by teaching them the fundamentals of electronic music creation, recording, and production.

J Dilla Music Tech Grant Requirements:

Be a public high school
Provide at least one full-time certified teacher and schedule the class as part of the regular school day
Schedule a minimum of 45 minutes of instruction per week
Have a room dedicated for instruction and designate adequate, secure storage space for equipment
Complete annual progress reports and host representatives from Save The Music for check-in visits
Maintain working condition of all donated technology and equipment

To learn more about our process for getting a music technology grant, please visit our FAQ page.

Special thanks to Pay Jay Productions, Inc. and the Estate of James DeWitt Yancey for authorizing our use of the J Dilla name in and in connection with the J Dilla Tech Grants.

Save The Music’s Learn & Make Your Own Beats tutorial videos are free and available to the public!

Whether at home or in school, Save The Music’s How to Make Your Own Beats tutorial videos help you easily navigate the ins and outs of producing your own music with easy-to-access software that you can find right on your own personal technology devices.

The Music Tech Grant Tutorial Videos are made possible with support from AT&T. The educational content series was created with Pharrell William’s creative collective i am OTHER in a joint project between Save the Music and the Consortium for Innovation and Transformation in Music Education at Arizona State University.

Recording Your Own Music tutorial videos

Check out the free Music Tech Set-Up Guide by Save The Music to help educators add music technology to their schools and classrooms.

This original guide aims to equip music educators with the skills, knowledge, and resources to confidently integrate music production and technology into their classrooms. This guide will cover the foundational concepts and theories behind recording music, teach you how to get started with software and hardware, and offer tips for setting up your classroom to make the best use of your tech.