A Movement Rooted in a Song

A Movement Rooted in a Song

The Founding of Let Music Fill My World

By Cayley Tull, sponsored by NAfME Corporate member Let Music Fill My World.

The idea for Let Music Fill My World (LMFMW) was born in a Chicago classroom. In 2023, Grammy-nominated artist John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting partnered with students at Farragut Career Academy to co-create an original song: “Let Music Fill My World.”

These students, most of whom had never written or recorded music before, poured their hearts into the lyrics, reflecting on what music meant to them. They collaborated with industry professionals to record the song and produce a music video, turning their creative vision into reality. But beyond the song itself, something even more powerful happened:

The experience proved that when students are given the opportunity to engage with music, it opens doors to self-expression, confidence, and connection. Inspired by this, LMFMW was founded with a mission to expand access to music education nationwide—so that every student, regardless of their background or resources, can experience the transformative power of music. Each of us knows through personal experience that music can help us reimagine, re-envision, and reconnect. Can you recall a time when listening to a song (maybe on repeat) allowed you to think differently about a challenge—to reconnect with a loved one with whom you had lost touch? Me too. Music can help us develop and exercise the skills and perspective needed to create a better future together. This is the kind of practical optimism I want for my own children and all of America’s youth.

The Science Is Clear: Music’s Role in Student Development

Music education isn’t an extracurricular activity—it’s a proven tool for student success. Robust research demonstrates that students who participate in music programs:

• Score higher on standardized tests in math and reading.
• Develop stronger cognitive and problem-solving skills, improving focus and discipline.
• Are more creative and emotionally intelligent, building resilience and self-confidence.
• Build social connections through collaboration in bands, choirs, and ensembles.

Beyond academics, music also plays a vital role in mental health and emotional well-being. For many students, music is an outlet—a way to process emotions, relieve stress, and find their voice in a unique and creative way.

Despite its benefits, millions of students across the United States lack access to music education due to budget cuts, shifting priorities, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the importance of music as a part of a well-rounded education. That’s where Let Music Fill My World comes in.

Real-World Impact: Stories That Celebrate the Power of Music

The impact of music education is not just theoretical—it’s real, proven both by both research, as well as each of our own personal life experiences.

Jesse Robitaille, a past Music Matters Challenge winner, used his prize money to propel his music career forward, releasing new music that went on to win a Hollywood Independent Music Award.

Arapahoe Holbrook Public School, a small-town school in Nebraska, won a $25,000 grant that helped fund a life-changing trip to perform at Carnegie Hall in Fall 2025—an opportunity they never thought possible.

Farragut Career Academy—the birthplace of Let Music Fill My World—was able to hire a full-time music teacher, ensuring that future students continue to have access to music education.

These stories illustrate what we already know: When students have access to music, they thrive. But the reality is that too many schools still lack the resources to provide these opportunities.

That’s why we launched the “Power of Music” series—a weekly spotlight sharing real stories from educators, students, artists, nonprofit leaders, music executives, and more. Through authentic storytelling on social media, these firsthand accounts reveal how music opens doors to learning, healing, and growth and invite people to see themselves in the power of music.

The Music Matters Challenge: A Call to Action

To further turn up the volume, we created the Music Matters Challenge (MMC)—a national competition, running from February 3, 2025, through May 30, 2025, that not only celebrates creativity and passion for music but also provides resources to schools in need.

• $25,000 GRANT for their school’s music program
• $10,000 CASH PRIZE for the individual winner plus the opportunity to participate in selecting the next school to receive $300,000 to fund a full-time music teacher’s salary for three years!

This Challenge is open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or musical ability—it’s about empowering students, supporting educators, and reminding all Americans and key decision-makers that music education is not optional; it’s essential.

By participating in the Music Matters Challenge, students, teachers, schools, music lovers, and communities become part of a nationwide movement to keep music in classrooms. They help us send a message: Music matters. Access matters. And every student deserves the chance to experience the life-changing power of music.

We invite you to join us—whether by participating, spreading the word, or advocating for music education in your community. Together, we can ensure that no child has to imagine a world without music.

🔗 Learn more & enter the challenge here.

About Let Music Fill My World

Let Music Fill My World (LMFMW) is on a mission to ensure every child in America has access to music education in their schools. Through powerful storytelling and partnerships, we illustrate the ways in which music is more than just an art form, and represents a powerful tool for learning, self-expression, and unlocking human potential.

Through national initiatives like the Music Matters Challenge, Let Music Fill My World provides students and schools with resources, funding, and opportunities to engage with music in meaningful ways. By supporting music educators and fostering creative opportunities, we aim to ensure that every student has access to the life-changing benefits of music education.

What would a world without music look like? Frankly, it’s hard for me to imagine. It would mean silence in the car while driving, workouts where the only sounds are your own (and others’) strained breathing, and no more hold music while waiting to be connected to the doctor or help line . . . though, let’s be honest, I think we all could do without the last one.

At Let Music Fill My World, we know a world without music would not only be quieter in terms of sound, but also quieter in creativity, human connection, personal resiliency, and in our ability to express what words alone cannot.

Without music, classrooms would feel less alive, emotions harder to express, and communities less connected. Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a universal language that helps us make sense of the world; calms, energizes, inspires us; sparks imagination; and perhaps most importantly, brings people together.

At Let Music Fill My World, we believe that music is essential—not just for those who pursue it as a career, but for every student, every classroom, and every community member. Through education, creativity, and awareness, we are on a mission to remind every American of the value of music education.

Music and the arts are dynamic tools that equip young people with essential 21st Century Skills: critical thinking, communication, creativity, problem-solving, perseverance, and collaboration. While much of the future remains unknown, one thing is clear: The future of employment will be very volatile. Our youth will need to retrain and reinvent themselves not just once but many times, or they risk being left behind.

Now is the time for all of us in leadership roles to reflect and ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to prepare our youth for success? While not a panacea, music education remains one highly effective and underutilized avenue we can and must deploy to equip students with the skills they’ll need to thrive in an unpredictable future. Sitting on our “bench” are unengaged and uninspired young people, anxious about the future and looking to the adults in the room to help get them in the game. Let’s use every resource we have—including music education—to unlock the potential of our next generation.

About the author:

Cayley Tull is a mom, entrepreneur, and passionate community builder. A lifelong connector and storyteller, she believes in the magic of human potential and the power of curiosity.

Cayley is the President of Tullman Family Office, where she leads philanthropic and social impact investments focused on education, workforce development, and public policy. She works to develop scalable solutions that expand access to opportunity, including initiatives that support music education and creative learning.

Before transitioning to the private sector, Cayley spent over a decade in federal government service, holding operational and strategic roles in the United States and abroad. She brings expertise in cross-sector collaboration and policy strategy, which she now applies to philanthropy and education-focused initiatives.

At Tullman Family Office, she plays a key role in supporting Let Music Fill My World, ensuring that students nationwide have access to the transformative power of music education.

Follow Let Music Fill My World on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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