School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education, is expanding access to its programs for students nationwide through the Play Without Limits Project and the Chad Smith Foundation, founded by the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, helping more kids access life-changing music education. 

At School of Rock’s bi-annual global Overdrive conference in San Diego, the organization raised more than $17,500 from over 165 donors to fund scholarships for students who may not otherwise have access to music education. The Chad Smith Foundation has committed up to $25,000 in matching funds, amplifying the impact and helping extend these opportunities to even more young musicians.

Today, students across the country, from Illinois to Texas, New York to Florida, are participating in School of Rock through Play Without Limits scholarships, gaining access to lessons, rehearsals, and live performance experiences that build confidence and community.

“Music changed my life, and it all started with having the chance to learn and play,” said Chad Smith, drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and founder of the Chad Smith Foundation. “What makes School of Rock so special is that it gives students both a music education and a community. The friendships and shared experiences are what make it so powerful. I’m proud to have the Chad Smith Foundation working with School of Rock to help create more of those opportunities.”

“Through Play Without Limits, we’re reaching students who may have never imagined themselves on stage—and showing them they belong there,” said Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock. “Our recent Social Impact Study, surveying more than 1,400 parents, reinforces what we witness every day: music has the power to build confidence, unlock creativity, and strengthen essential social and emotional skills. With the support of the Chad Smith Foundation, we’re expanding that impact and giving more young people the opportunity to transform their lives through music.”

School of Rock offers music programs for all skill levels and age groups, from kids as young as five years old to adults. Students receive weekly one-on-one instruction on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or vocals, and participate in group rehearsals that culminate in live performances at real venues. The patented performance-based model builds musical skills while fostering life skills like creativity, resilience, and teamwork.

For many students, that experience is made possible through the Play Without Limits Project, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides scholarships that cover approximately one season of School of Rock programming, including weekly lessons and group rehearsals. 

The partnership with the Chad Smith Foundation reflects a shared belief that every person deserves the chance to experience the transformative power of music. Inspired by Smith’s own journey from playing on makeshift drums as a kid to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, the Foundation focuses on creating access to instruments, education, and opportunities for underserved youth, helping the next generation of musicians discover and pursue their passion.

“Every kid should have the chance to find out what music can do for them,” said Ian Hamilton, Executive Director of the Play Without Limits Project. “Support from the Chad Smith Foundation allows us to reach even more students and remove barriers that have historically kept these opportunities out of reach.”

The funds raised at Overdrive, which brought together 549 School of Rock community members from 12 countries, along with the contributions from the Chad Smith Foundation, will directly support scholarships at School of Rock locations nationwide. As the Play Without Limits Project continues to grow, the initiative remains focused on ensuring access to high-quality enrichment programs for kids of all backgrounds.

For more information about the Play Without Limits Project and Chad Smith Foundation, or to support student scholarships, visit playwithoutlimits.org and chadsmithfoundation.org.