OUR STORY

WWM! Founder Marc Willis witnessed his son, performing well as a violist with support from private lessons, be one of a small number of Black students that “made it” into regional and state honor orchestra competitions.  Wanting to find a way to change that narrative, he decided to support a few focused, aspiring musicians that he would meet and hear playing from different community music programs across Memphis.

Marc decided to partner with great musicians who were also great music educators and positive mentors because they were already doing the work.  In the fall of 2019 WWM! and the private lesson program were born and the first teacher with one of her music students, signed on to the program.

In the spring of 2020, COVID hit and private lesson recruitment efforts came to a halt.  With the first student still willing to work hard, WWM! continued to support lessons and she continued to grow and develop as a musician. In the summer of 2022, armed with support from MMI, WWM! funded private lessons for 10 students during those summer months. In September of that year, WWM! held its first live student recital with jazz, soul, classical and chamber musicians all performing. It was beautiful!

Starting in 2019, Marc also produced five free community concerts largely in North Memphis.  Several of the concerts also included student musicians alongside professional musicians.  Our future plans call for more school and community concerts.