At Rock to the Future, we know that music has the power to transform lives and that transformation starts with strong, compassionate educators. That’s why we’re excited to launch our Instructor Training Program, a pilot initiative running from June through December 2025! This program is designed to train and empower Philadelphia-based musicians who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
This free, paid learning opportunity is open to alumni of Rock to the Future who are interested in becoming music educators and youth development professionals. Participants will gain hands-on experience, receive in-depth training, and ultimately help expand access to free music education opportunities for hundreds of Philadelphia youth. The program also looks to cultivate a more diverse pipeline of teaching artists by increasing representation of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ individuals, groups that have historically been underrepresented in this field.
What the Program Offers
Through this year-long initiative, participants will:
- Engage in 20–25 hours of knowledge-building workshops
- Join six 2-hour peer learning sessions for feedback, reflection, and support
- Complete 40+ hours of shadowed instruction and coaching
- Be paid for their time and commitment
The program will introduce and strengthen essential skills like trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, student-driven and differentiated instruction, and equity-focused teaching strategies. Rock to the Future graduates will be equipped not only to teach but to inspire and lead. Hear what Rock to the Future alum, Phoenix, is excited about.

“I’ve been a part of Rock to the Future for the past three years during the time when I was in high-school. Throughout my time, music has not only been a passion, but a powerful tool for personal growth and connection.
As I step into the Training Instructor Program, I’m most looking forward to deepening my connection with others through music. I believe that music has the unique ability to bring people together, to inspire, and to heal and I hope to share that experience with both my peers and the students I will work with.
My motivation for becoming an instructor stems from a desire to empower the next generation. I want to help young people discover the transformative power of music, just as I have, and to build meaningful relationships rooted in creativity, trust, and mutual respect. It’s not just about teaching notes and rhythms it's about building a community where every voice matters.” -Phoenix
Program Goals and Outcomes
We’ve set clear, measurable goals to ensure the success of both our trainees and the youth they’ll serve:
- Completion & Career Pathways: All four pilot participants will graduate and go on to teach independently for 4–8 hours a week through 5–10 community partners
- Organizational Impact: Rock to the Future will expand its reach, serving 250+ additional students annually through new classes led by program graduates
Funding and Future Growth
Thanks to a generous $40,000 grant from The Seybert Foundation, we’re able to fund this pilot year and lay the groundwork for a sustainable fee-for-service model. This investment not only supports our immediate goals but strengthens our long-term capacity to grow music education access in Philadelphia.
Building a Stronger, More Equitable Future
The Instructor Training Program is a pathway to equity, representation, and opportunity in arts education. By investing in alumni who were once in our programs, we’re not just teaching music. We’re creating change-makers who will carry the power of youth development into classrooms and communities across the city.
Stay tuned for updates on our pilot cohort and the exciting growth ahead for Rock to the Future!