David Wish
Oral History Information
David Wish is the visionary behind Music Will, the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S. public school system. With a passion for music and education, David has dedicated more than two decades to providing teacher training, curriculum, resources, and instruments to thousands of schools nationwide. Under his leadership, Music Will has become a beacon for restoring and expanding music education opportunities across the country. Formerly known as Little Kids Rock, Music Will was pioneered by David and paved the way for numerous music education initiatives nationwide, including the naming and launching of modern band music programs in school districts across the country. He acknowledges the instrumental role of the NAMM Foundation in launching his nonprofit, and since then, he has remained committed to supporting music education programs. One of David's distinctive offerings is the annual Modern Band Summit, which draws hundreds of teachers each year to exchange ideas and strategies for innovative music education. Additionally, he utilizes his expertise as a creative product engineer to design instruments tailored for classroom teaching and travel convenience and has been awarded 9 patents for that work. David Wish's mantra, "Transforming Lives by Transforming Music Education," encapsulates his mission to empower students and educators alike through the transformative power of music.