The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation celebrated another season of Latin GRAMMY In The Schools, a program empowering the next generation of Latin music creators. Gloria Estefan and Edgar Barrera were featured artists at events in Miami and Las Vegas, each of which was designed to help aspiring musicians grow as artists and music industry professionals.
On Nov. 4, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation (LGCF) and Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument initiative hosted Gloria Estefan at James H. Bright / JW Johnson Elementary School — where Estefan's mother was an educator for more than 20 years. Estefan, a four-time Latin GRAMMY winner and former Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year, called the event "deeply personal."
"This is where my mother, Gloria Fajardo, dedicated more than two decades of her life as an educator — inspiring generations of students to dream, learn, and believe in themselves," she said. "Music was always a central part of our home and our family, and I know she would be so proud to see the next generation of young minds being nurtured through it.
"Supporting music education is not just about fostering future artists," Estefan continued, "it’s about giving children the tools to express themselves, to build confidence, and to connect with their culture and community. To be able to honor my mother’s legacy in this very special way means the world to me."
As part of the celebration, students at the Miami-Dade County school performed a special tribute of "Mi Tierra" and "Conga." They also participated in percussion classes led by Alexis Soto, a previous recipient of the Tuition Assistance Scholarship who is giving back to the community as part of the Foundation’s Scholarship Alumni Network.
"Our legacy is built not only on academics, but on the arts, culture, and the power of community," said Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. "This partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Gloria Estefan honors the educators who came before us, like Gloria’s mother, and uplifts the students who will carry our story forward."
Launched in 2021, Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument program aims to advance equity and expand access to cutting-edge music technology education for students in traditionally underfunded schools and districts. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience with music tools and receive creative mentorship from Sony Music artists and songwriters. Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy, Social Impact and Environment, Sony Music Group, reflected on the impact of the Miami event: "Moments like these remind us of the transformative power of music in shaping lives and communities."
One week later, Latin GRAMMY In The Schools headed west to Sunrise Manor, Nev., where Las Vegas High School was celebrating its centennial anniversary. The longest-standing high school in the state boasts a rich arts program, including an internationally recognized mariachi band.
In celebration and support of the school's musical offerings, LGCF and Latin GRAMMY-winning producer and composer Edgar Barrera, Latin GRAMMY nominee Luis Ángel "El Flaco" and música Mexicana recording artist Oscar Maydon visited the high school for an educational experience that included a musical instrument donation to the school and SLAM Nevada (a tuition-free, K-12 public charter school). The session featured student performances as well as a Q&A moderated by journalist Grecia Lopez.
The Las Vegas event was officially part of Latin GRAMMY Week 2025, a weeklong series of events honoring current nominees, creativity, excellence, and the global impact and influence of the Latin music industry that lead up to the 2025 Latin GRAMMYS, which take place Thursday, Nov. 13.
"It’s so important to give back to the next generation of music makers and encourage them to follow their dreams the same way I followed mine," said Barrera. "That’s why I’m truly honored to partner with the Latin Recording Academy on initiatives like this, which help inspire, educate, and empower the future of Latin music."
Investments in both schools will allow each to further enable the schools to develop music programs and acquire new instruments — offering more students the opportunity to pursue the arts. "This investment inspires our mission to open doors for every student to discover their talent, creativity, and confidence both inside and outside the classroom," said the SLAM Nevada Administration Team.
"Las Vegas High School greatly appreciates the support of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and the instruments the Foundation provided for our students," added Stephen Blanco, Mariachi Director at Las Vegas High School. "Without this help, it would be a struggle to provide instruments and equipment for our 700 performing arts students."
The importance of the occasion was not lost on its special guests. Ángel said that the schools' young musicians reminded him of his own journey.
"I also started dreaming just like they are, without knowing where I could go, but with a strong desire to sing and tell real stories," said Ángel. "Music taught me that the most important thing is to sing from the heart and never forget where you’re from. If there’s one thing I want them to take away from today, it’s that dreams can come true when you pursue them with passion, discipline and humility."
Maydon was honored to represent Mexican music via Latin GRAMMY In The Schools. "Music has given me everything, and being here in front of these students reminds me of my beginnings and the importance of never giving up," he shared. "Seeing their passion inspires me to keep working and to open more doors for future generations."
The program was presented in partnership with the Dr. Simi Foundation and Sony Music Group, as part of the company’s Beyond The Instrument initiative. In addition, Dollar Tree joined the celebration as an Official Sponsor, with additional support from Gibson Gives and Sweetwater.
The Las Vegas and Miami events are two powerful examples of the Foundations' commitment to music education. Since its inception, the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program has benefited educational institutions throughout the U.S., including in Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, L.A., Chicago, New York, and San Antonio. Their mission is international as well, with Latin GRAMMY In The Schools events in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Panama City, Panama, Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, and San Juan in Puerto Rico; and Sevilla, Spain.
"Each Latin GRAMMY In The Schools event further advances the Foundation’s mission of ensuring the legacy of Latin music and its creators," said Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, the Foundation's Executive Director. "It’s inspiring to see [these] institutions’ work in fostering music education at all levels, from elementary through high school. This support not only fuels their passion for the arts but also prepares them for a future in the industry."
Latin GRAMMY In The Schools connects music students with industry professionals and supports educational music departments that face financial limitations. The Foundation invites professional musicians, artists and sound engineers to visit a variety of institutions to share their personal stories and experiences with students. Holistically, the program aims to help students optimize their opportunities, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.
Latin music's leading lights have also heeded the call to support young musicians by participating in Latin GRAMMY In The Schools. Among the artists who have participated are Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, Becky G, KAROL G, Gente de Zona, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.