June 8, 2025
Music for Everyone: Mass Appeal
Anyone is welcome to make music in public on June 21, and we mean truly anyone – even those who have never tried making music before, and even those who don’t own an instrument!
This year, Vic Firth and Rhythm Band Instruments have returned to sponsor three national percussion projects, where anyone can come and get a free instrument to play on Make Music Day. These are all part of our Mass Appeal initiative, which brings together people of all levels and ages to make music in large, single-instrument groups.
Vic Firth, setting the standard for percussion since its inception in 1963, is providing over 1,200 pairs of free drumsticks to 38 events around the country this year!
17 events will be bucket drumming sessions, ranging from structured classes to free-flowing bucket drumming circles, while another 21 drumstick events will include drum circles, drum-offs, and more.
To take part, all you need is a beat in your heart… and a pair of sticks.
Music on June 21 can come from anyone, anywhere, and just about anything.
As if to prove the point, celebrated composer Elliot Cole and percussionist Peter Ferry are once again organizing a series of music especially for Make Music Day, featuring an unlikely but beautiful percussion instrument – the flowerpot!
This year, 16 groups around the U.S. will come out to parks, fields, and plazas to performFlowerpot Music, a set of easy-to-learn musical games. Anyone can join the events – no experience required.
Vic Firth is sponsoring Flowerpot Music by providing 160 professional yarn-wrapped mallets free of charge, so that anyone can make a great sound on a flowerpot.
Thank you, Vic Firth!
In another beloved Make Music Day tradition, Rhythm Band Instruments, makers of the pitched hollow plastic tubes called Boomwhackers®, is donating percussion kits to 34 communities for participatory Mass Appeal percussion events – over 1,000 instruments in all, with a variety of Boomwhackers, egg shakers, and rhythm sticks to make music accessible to everyone.
Thank you, Rhythm Band Instruments!
May 31, 2025
Make Music Partner of the Week: Sweetwater
We’d like to take a moment to thank Sweetwater Sound for its longstanding Make Music Day sponsorship!
Since 2016, Sweetwater has spread the word about Make Music Day to thousands of customers, and even organized Make Music Fort Wayne for several years, bringing bands and musical discovery to their Indiana hometown on the first day of summer.
Beginning tomorrow, Sweetwater is celebrating a week-long DrumFest with special sales and artist workshops. But whatever your instrument, Sweetwater continues to join its customers in celebrating Make Music Day, and stands by to ship any last-minute gear that may be needed for June 21.
May 31, 2025
Make Music City of the Week: San Antonio
For last year’s inaugural Make Music San Antonio, musical communities from hip hop to opera to mariachi came out to showcase their artistry in 40 free concerts, while every San Antonian got the chance to make music with drum circles, a sing-along, karaoke, and a special performance of Terry Riley’s “In C”. It was a spectacular debut, organized by the city’s Department of Arts & Culture and Texas Public Radio.
This year’s captivating program includes interactive workshops at the banks of the blossoming San Pedro Creek, over a dozen performances at the San Antonio Botanical Garden in partnership with Alamo City Arts, live music at historic Main Plaza, and performances from the Classical Music Institutes and OPERA San Antonio’s Young Artist Program.
More details at their website!
May 31, 2025
2nd Annual String Together: Free Events to Make Your Guitar Sing
One of the best and easiest ways to improve the sound of your guitar is putting on a fresh set of strings.
Come to any of the 115 participating “String Together” music stores on Make Music Day, and attend a free string-changing session that comes with a free set of acoustic guitar strings from Elixir Strings (for the first 12 registrants at each store). All are welcome, from complete newbies who have never changed their strings, to more experienced players looking for a few tips from a pro guitar tech.
63 stores are participating across the US, along with 20 stores in Germany, 13 in Ukraine, 9 in the UK, 6 in Italy, 3 in South Africa, and 1 in Poland, all thanks to Elixir Strings.
May 23, 2025
Make Music Partner of the Week: Levitt Foundation
Thank you to the Levitt Foundation for supporting Make Music Day!
We love Levitt’s mission, which is to strengthen the social fabric of America through the power of free, live music. Over the course of 2025, Levitt is supporting 650+ free outdoor concerts in more than 50 communities coast-to-coast, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds and fostering more equitable, healthy, and thriving communities.
Levitt recently announced a series of grants up to $120,000 to bring free outdoor concerts to communities across the country! Learn more and apply for a Levitt Music Series Grant by June 30th at levitt.org.
May 23, 2025
Announcing the 2025 Make Music Champions
We’re excited to announce our 2025 roster of Make Music Champions – thirteen talented artists from around the country who joined Make Music Day last year, and who love to share their passion for music all year long.
On our blog, you’ll find interviews with each new Champion: 2/14, Abigail Fierce, Ariah &, Arpa Martinez, Cat Crash, Isabella Paris, Jessica Maeve, Leah Wrenne, Matt Axton, Rowan Katz, Sierra Lynn, Tipa Tipo, and Wild Ire.
Stay tuned for news about their June 21st collaborations!
May 23, 2025
Fourteen Roomfuls of Pianos on Make Music Day
Pianists across the country will come together this Make Music Day to give free multi-piano performances in 14 local music stores, in a new partnership with the Music Teachers National Association!
For Roomful of Pianos, pianists of all ages and levels have the rare chance to perform together on up to eight pianos at the same time, on what is often a solitary instrument. Local music teacher associations and piano dealers are collaborating to choose repertoire, set the schedule, and unite the local piano community and the public.
View the Roomful of Pianos page for full details, and to learn how to join!
May 21, 2025
Champions: Arpa Martinez, Innovative Harpist and Jorockpo Creator
In this interview, we talk with Arpa Martinez, a harpist and visionary musician known for redefining the sound of Venezuelan joropo through his unique fusion with rock and other genres. With masterful harp skills and a bold creative spirit, he brings traditional folk music to new horizons, captivating audiences with every performance. He shares how his unexpected journey with the harp began, the inspiration behind his genre-blending style, and his path to becoming a full-time artist dedicated to his craft.
How did you discover your passion for music, and especially for the harp?
For music… I feel like it’s something strange because I’m the only musician in my family. I started with the guitar. After about a year and a half of playing guitar, I saw some friends at the conservatory playing folk music with a harp. Since we always listened to “llanera” music at home—which is the folk music of my country—the harp caught my attention. I started playing and learning a bit with a friend who was an artist at the time. But it happened that he wanted to become a bassist. That’s how we started: I would learn a song on the harp, and he would learn it on the bass, and then we would switch. Since I played guitar, I also started with the bass in the group. So, when we had to play a song we didn’t know, we would switch instruments until, eventually, I stayed with the harp, and he stayed with the bass.
And what does playing this instrument mean to you? Do you think it was the best thing that could have happened to you, or was it pure coincidence?
I feel like it could have been a coincidence, but I do think it was the best thing. I am an engineer, but I’ve never worked as an engineer; I’ve always worked as a harpist for many reasons: because I like it more, I feel better… in fact, it always earned me more money than engineering. So, from any perspective, I prefer the harp over any other occupation or profession.
What type of music do you like to perform or compose?
My favorite music to perform is joropo, which is the folk music of my country, Venezuela. That’s what I started with, and I spent years playing joropo until I began to fuse it with many other genres: jazz, blues, bossa nova—so many things. The fusion with rock, though, was what people liked the most and what made me known, especially because Metallica signed me to a contract and included me in their 40th anniversary. So, that’s what got the most attention. But I’ve been playing joropo with many other fusions for years now, and honestly, I love that fusion I created. Now it feels like the ideal sound for me because it carries joropo and rock. It’s something I feel is mine—something I created. Joropo, of course, has been around for many years, and rock too. But that fusion didn’t exist, and now that it does and people like it, I feel incredibly happy to be able to work with that as well.
What kind of artists or bands have inspired you to make music?
I really like Chick Corea. I also really like Yanni. I’ve always loved Raúl Di Blasio’s music; in fact, I play his music. I’ve also been very influenced by an artist from my country named Carlos Orozco, who is one of the most important harpists not only in Venezuela but in the world. And, talking about more commercial tastes, lately, I’ve really liked the Mexican artist Carin León.
And how did you find out about Make Music Day?
I think I saw it on Instagram. It seemed like a good opportunity for me because when I came to the United States thanks to Metallica, I got my residency through them, but I didn’t have a proper job. So, I started playing with a mariachi band; I played mariachi harp, and that was it. But then I wanted to go back to doing what I do: solo harp. I needed people to know me, to see me, and I saw an opportunity there. My intention to participate in Make Music Day was basically to get exposure, for people to see my work. And it worked, because, in fact, I have played several times at that art gallery where I first performed thanks to Make Music Day. Since then, I’ve gone back to play a few more times. It’s about building your work in a new city for me, so people can see that I exist, that I’m here, that there’s someone playing the harp and doing that kind of music.
How was the experience at Make Music Day?
It was amazing, really amazing. Because it wasn’t just me; there was a symphonic quartet in another room—since it’s a very large art gallery—and a pianist, I think… I don’t quite remember. The cultural aspect was special, and the audience accepted it and enjoyed being there, listening to you… that’s something really good for a musician.
How important is it for you to have Make Music Day in a community?
It’s super important because it supports culture, which is one of the things that sometimes gets the least attention, at least in my country. It’s something that musicians and culture need. It’s important that it’s supported so it keeps growing and people keep coming to see us. Because you know, sometimes you play, and it’s not so much for the money but for people to listen to you, to see you. And having a program like this that encourages musicians and invites the community to see local artists is important.
What projects are coming up for you?
Right now, I just finished my second jorockpo album. This is my second album; I finished it during this trip, which was for that: to finish the second album and give a concert. So, what I want is to be able to play this everywhere, whether it’s in the United States or anywhere else. The idea is to perform in many places and let people know about this project.
And finally, one last question: what advice would you give to young musicians who are just starting their musical journey?
To fight hard for what they want, but with a lot of responsibility and seriousness. Music can give you many things, even a lot of recklessness if you want… But I think the only way to move forward is to have a clear objective, a clear goal, and always work with responsibility and seriousness to achieve all of that.
May 16, 2025
Champions: Jessica Maeve, Songwriter and Ukulele Virtuoso
In this interview, we talk with Jessica Maeve, a singer-songwriter and ukulelist who loves to surprise audiences with her ukulele skills, thoughtful originals, and vibrant energy on stage. With heartfelt lyrics and an open, engaging presence, she brings stories to life through song. She shares how she first picked up the ukulele—her trusted partner—and her path to becoming a full-time musician.
How did you first get into writing and performing music?
I think I wrote my first song when I was seven. I didn’t start with the ukulele—actually, I think it’s the last instrument I learned. I started on piano, and then my brother was taking guitar lessons from my dad. My whole family is very musical, and my mom dances the hula. I ended up picking up the ukulele, and we got to perform together a lot. I’d say I got serious about music in sixth grade. At school, they let you choose a performing art, and I chose orchestra because I wanted to learn a string instrument. Then in seventh grade, I figured out that I really liked to sing, so I decided I was going to stay in orchestra and also find a way to fit choir into my schedule. I don’t think I started writing songs again until I was maybe 15 or 16. I’d write on my guitar, just because that’s what I had around the house. One day, when I was 15, I saw a ukulele sitting around gathering dust. I picked it up and started playing. Literally 24 hours later, because my dad heard me and thought I sounded really good, and he bought me a good ukulele.
I’ve played for about thirteen years now. I’ve used YouTube, but I never had a professional teacher. But I did go to college for music because I loved it so much. I got my bachelor’s in music education with a choral emphasis. I love the voice, but I still play my other instruments: piano, guitar, violin. I guess ukulele isn’t the last instrument I learned, but it’s the last one I took seriously. In college, you have to take band and orchestra classes, so I learned some band and orchestra instruments too. But I never let go of the ukulele. I feel like a lot of people play it, but not many play it the way I do. That felt unique, so I stuck with it. Now I do gigs everywhere. I’m about to do a festival next week in Pennsylvania where I’ll teach ukulele, singing, rhythms, and also show people how I play. It’s been an awesome journey.
I write my own songs now too, and I’m producing them on my own. After graduating, I did student teaching and taught choir for a few years. But I realized I love the ukulele more. I quit public school teaching and became a solo artist. It’s definitely a pay cut, but I have a very supportive family. Now I’m performing all over, and it’s been the best change—to be creative, make music, perform, and show the joy of the ukulele and all the different ways you can use it. I started doing this almost two years ago. That’s why last year, I saw the opportunity to join Make Music Day and decided to go for it.
What are some artists who inspire your music?
Definitely Jake Shimabukuro. He’s the first one who comes to mind. I know there are other artists, but they’re never near me. Jake is everywhere, so I always see him. There was also a jazz ukulele artist named Lyle Ritz. He was mainly a bassist and producer for artists like the Beach Boys. He did a lot for the ukulele. I’m not sure how I came across his music, but I’m actually friends with his daughter online. He’s a big influence on me, especially for jazz and different chord shapes. In terms of singing, probably The Carpenters. I love the oldies. She had a low alto voice like mine, and I listened to her growing up. I love older tunes.
How did you first get involved in Make Music Day?
Well, I had just quit teaching and was looking for opportunities to showcase my ukulele skills, paid or not. I was searching for organizations that support live music. I came across Make Music Day because I saw some people in my city—Dallas at the time—posting about it on Facebook or something. Someone had posted that they were doing a Make Music Day event on June 21, and I thought it sounded cool. I wanted to be involved. There was an online sign-up form, and I just entered my info. I thought they might ask for more, but it was super easy. They contacted me, and I checked the schedule to see where I could perform. It was very last-minute—I think I signed up just a few days before the event. But it gave me some awesome opportunities to perform in my city. I got to play at a coffee shop and had one or two other gigs that day.
How was that experience for you?
I loved it. I had never played in that city before, so it was great to experience the area. The people were so supportive. The coffee shop owner—or someone who worked there—actually played the ukulele too or was from Hawaii. She ended up being a great contact. They even advertised me on their coffee shop’s Instagram, which was really sweet. It was an awesome day because not everyone has a space to perform. Make Music Day helps connect musicians with organizations, shops, restaurants—places that might not normally host live music. It’s a great way to get out there and offer something fun and new. People who may not have grown up playing music or who don’t know much about it get to experience live performance. It really opens the door for future possibilities.
How would you say Make Music Day is different from a regular gig?
I think you all really take care of the artists. At least where I was, they had Make Music Day signs up, and they advertised it. They reached out and were excited to have me. Some gigs I’ve done, someone books it and then doesn’t even show up when I arrive. But Make Music Day felt more professional. You made sure we got on the platform, and that the performance was promoted in some way—even if it’s just a sign. It felt like you really cared about the experience being professional, even though it’s a volunteer-based event.
Any new music or shows you’re excited about?
Yes! I was supposed to drop some new music this month, but things have been so busy, so it’s been pushed back a little. I’m producing it myself, so it’s still coming. Next week, I’m heading to Pennsylvania for a ukulele event—it’s kind of a festival, but they call it a soiree. I’ll be teaching workshops and performing there. Right after that, I’m heading to Texas to perform at a few events. I’ve still got ties there!
Last question: What advice would you give to emerging artists and singer-songwriters just starting to share their voice with the world?
I would say, find as many opportunities as you can to perform and play—just to get that experience in front of people. If your goal is to perform, that’s key. If you’re trying to go the artist route like me—not working a regular job—build your network. Find people who will support you, whether that’s restaurant or shop owners who’ll let you perform monthly, or booking agents who can help get you shows. There are agents for every level, some just book local shows, and others work across states. That kind of support has helped me get more consistent pay. But even if you’re just doing it on the side, that’s totally valid. The main thing is: to get better, you have to do it a lot. So practice and perform as much as possible.
May 14, 2025
Make Music City of the Week: Madison, WI
Make Music Madison was an overnight success when it launched in 2013, and over the years it has grown into a beloved local tradition in the center of Wisconsin. With a population of just 270,000, Madison had over 600 events on June 21, 2024, more than any other U.S. city.
Hundreds of concerts are already confirmed for Make Music Madison 2025 – handbells and handpans, kids and seniors, mariachis and Taiko drummers, bands at the Madison Mallards minor league game, and performances by Make Music “champion” Bear in the Forest – and hundreds more are on the way!
Visit the Make Music Madison website