El Fantasma is the newest partner of the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program. The Mexican superstar recently joined forces with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, the Latin Recording Academy’s charitable organization amplifying the contributions of Latin music and its creators through educational initiatives, and Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, to invest $40,000 in an educational experience for Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio, Texas.

Last month, El Fantasma visited the school to perform for students and chat with them about his experience in the Latin music industry and his journey to becoming one of the most-streamed Regional Mexican artists in the world. The school also received a donation of musical instruments, courtesy of Ford Motor Company. This most recent investment in music education marks the 27th time that Ford Motor Company Fund has supported a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program.

Growing up in Mexico, El Fantasma didn't have the opportunity at a music education. Through his involvement with the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program, which informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations, he hopes to inspire the next generation to pursue their musical dreams.

In an interview with the Recording Academy, El Fantasma discussed his participation in the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program, the importance of music education, and his future plans.

Learn more about the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s mission and how to donate to and support this groundbreaking organization.

Why did you want to participate with the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program?

For me, it is very important to support the new generations, and this program is promoting and encouraging the education and training for these future musicians.

Why is a program like this one important for music education in schools?

It is important because this program helps our community and provides an opportunity for all those young people who want to venture into music.

What does music education mean to you? Did you have a teacher or mentor that showed you about music when you were growing up?

Music education in schools is very important because it reinforces the art for students from an early age. Since I was a child, I liked music, but I never had the opportunity to have a musical education at school. I only did music informally with friends and family. My family was my mentor. Music has been entwined in my family for generations. We carry it in our blood, as they say in Mexico.

When I was little, the only entertainment came from family members who had taught themselves to play various old instruments. The sounds were rough, but it came from the need to live together and forge moments of unity and family entertainment.

You worked as a landscaper in the U.S. before becoming one of Regional Mexican music's biggest stars. What do you think now looking back on that journey and how far you have come?

It was a journey of many challenges and a lot of work, but it was all worth it. It is important to fight for your dreams until you achieve them. It is nice to be at this point in my career and look back on the path I took to get here.

How do you feel to see Regional Mexican music becoming one of the biggest genres in the world now?

As an exponent of this genre, I feel proud that all this is happening with our Mexican music worldwide. I believe that each and every one of us contributed our grain of sand so that this explosion could finally happen.

You're going to tour the U.S. with La Séptima Vuelta Tour and you recently released your Xperimental EP. What do you want to accomplish next with your career?

I want my name to be part of the history of Mexican music, and I want the genre to continue conquering new frontiers.

Meet The Gen Z Women Claiming Space In The Regional Mexican Music Movement

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation announced the third annual Leading Ladies of Entertainment Connect TogetHER mentorship program, in partnership with She Is The Music, a global nonprofit that works to increase the number of women in music.

The mentors of this year’s collaborative program include: Founder of the music and entertainment public relations firm RondenePR, Róndine Alcalá; recording and mixing engineer and Vice President of N.A.R.S Records/Dream Asylum Studios Marcella Araica; Latin GRAMMY winning sound engineer Maria Elisa Ayerbe; Latin GRAMMY winning artist Goyo; Latin GRAMMY winning and GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter Mon Laferte; Mayna Nevarez, Founder & CEO of Nevarez Communications and Chapter Chair Women in Music Miami; award winning journalist Pamela Silva;GRAMMY-nominated engineer and vocal producer Simone Torres; Latin GRAMMY winning composer Mónica Vélez and SVP Marketing and Promotion at Sony Music Entertainment México Ana Villacorta López. Each mentor will provide one-on-one virtual mentoring sessions with young women who want to follow a career in the music and entertainment industries.

Paying-it-forward and forging opportunities for future generations is a core pillar of the Mentorship Program, and for the third year, the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Connect TogetHER Panel expanded access to these Leading Ladies expertise. Presented by Spotify for Artists, the panel was held on April 15 and moderated by mentees Stephanie Acosta and Valeria Peñaranda, who were in conversation with mentors Róndine Alcalá, Maria Elisa Ayerbe and Mayna Nevarez.

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"Each year the mentorship program continues to evolve, we are grateful for the support of our mentors, the Leading Ladies of Entertainment who generously share their time and expertise to foster the next generation of women in Latin music," said Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. "Together, alongside with She Is The Music, we work towards closing the gender gap within the Latin music industry."

"We are so proud and excited to continue to support and partner with Leading Ladies of Entertainment on our third year of the Connect TogetHER mentorship program," said Alexandra Lioutikoff, Co-Chair of She Is The Music Latin Committee, Group President of Universal Music Publishing for Latin America and U.S. Latin, and Board Member of the Latin Recording Academy. "Each year has given us the incredible opportunity to uplift more women in the industry and provide future generations with the tools to succeed."

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment initiative was created by the Latin Recording Academy in 2016 to honor and recognize professional and socially conscious women within the arts and entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired the next generation of female leaders. 

The Latin Recording Academy Announces Two Major Events in Spain: A Tribute To Paco de Lucía & Latin GRAMMY Session in Málaga

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, in conjunction with Latin GRAMMY-winning and GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Noel Schajris, will invest $40,000 in an educational experience, including a donation of musical instruments to Overton High School in Memphis.

This is the 41st time that the Foundation hosts a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools. The program will feature a musical performance with the Argentine Mexican singer/songwriter Noel Schajris, along with a Q&A session with students moderated by Jessica Rodríguez co-host of Univision’s top rated morning show, "Despierta América" (Wake-Up America).

"We all know how important art and music are in our lives; in my personal case, it has been a lifesaver, a friend, a love, and even the doctor during many important moments. This is an important opportunity for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to share with those who will undoubtedly carry that torch of hope, the kids, the future generations," said Schajris.

"I am honored to share my life experience and especially the last few years in charge of my own record label Dynamo Producciones and more recently with my own digital platform and App NSMUSIC. Surely we will draw wonderful conclusions and certainties from this event; always with truth and love as our banner," he continued.

The Creative and Performing Arts Program at Overton High School was developed to nurture artistic talent within its diverse student population. The program includes a wide range of offerings, including various bands, orchestras, choirs, dance, creative writing, broadcasting, and visual arts, each contributing significantly to students' artistic development and collaborative experiences.

This program provides students with invaluable opportunities they might not otherwise access. But to ensure its continual growth and enrichment, there's a pressing need for resources and educational experiences. The school will use the new instruments to grow its music education programming, enhancing and expanding the experience of future generations of music creators.

"We are beyond thrilled and ecstatic to receive this musical instrument donation and educational resources for the Overton Band Program," Juan Valdez, Overton HS Senior Band Director, said in a statement. "Through the students' hard work, we have many award-winning ensembles, including Wind Ensemble, CAPA Choir, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Piano, and Marching Band. This generous contribution will allow our students' work to continue to be seen and heard all across the Mid-South. ¡Muchas gracias!"

"As we celebrate the 41st Latin GRAMMY In The Schools, we're grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of our donors in making access to music education possible, positively impacting the lives of youth. It means a lot to count on the commitment of our partners, including Noel Schajris, as we guide the next generation of Latin music creators through unique educational experiences like these and empower communities through Latin music and culture," said Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

Since its inception the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program has benefited schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Antonio; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Seville, Spain.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations.

The Foundation invites artists and professional musicians to visit middle and high schools or music education institutions to share their personal stories and experiences with students that highlight the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

Previous artists who have participated in the program include: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Mireya Ramos, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

Keep watching this space for more information about everything Latin Recording Academy — and beyond!

2023 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Winners & Nominations List

The Latin Recording Academy is about much more than the Latin GRAMMYs; the organization enriches and sustains the entire Latin music community. And the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is a major component of that mission.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation just awarded a Nicky Jam Scholarship to Dominican pianist Leomar Cordero during a special presentation with the artist in Miami. There, Jam — a Latin GRAMMY winner — performed alongside Cordero and additional scholarship recipients.

Sponsored annually by a Latin music icon, the Nicky Jam Scholarship — also known as the Prodigy Scholarship — was created nine years ago to support music education and Latin music genres. It holds a maximum value of $200,000 and allows Cordero to pursue a bachelor's degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston, starting this fall.

Previous sponsors include: Sofia Carson (2022), Juanes (2021), Julio Iglesias (2020), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Carlos Vives (2018), Miguel Bosé (2017), Juan Luis Guerra (2016) and Enrique Iglesias (2015).

Cordero, a 19-year-old musician from La Romana, was selected by the Foundation's Scholarship Committee from a highly competitive, global group of hundreds of applicants.

Since its establishment, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has committed an extraordinary sum of more than $9.3 million in scholarships, grants, musical instruments, and educational programs throughout the United States and Ibero America.

"Since our inception nearly a decade ago, the Foundation's unwavering mission has been to support and cultivate the next generation of Latin music creators. I am humbled to announce our ninth Prodigy Scholarship winner and continue this mission," Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, said in a statement.

"With the extraordinary generosity of respected artists such as Nicky Jam, we have the unique privilege of fostering the education of future generations," Egusquiza continued, "paving the way for their dreams to flourish and carry forward the rich legacy of Latin music."

"My heart swells with joy as I join the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in awarding the Nicky Jam Scholarship to the extraordinary pianist Leomar Cordero," offered Nicky Jam. "This is more than a scholarship; it's a symphony of dreams harmonizing with dedication. To witness the power of music uniting us all, to be a part of Leomar's journey, is an honor beyond words.

"Through education, we nurture the melodies of tomorrow and keep the soul of Latin music alive," Jam continued. "Congratulations, Leomar — let your music paint the world with colors only your heart can imagine."

"I am beyond thankful to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Nicky Jam for rewarding my efforts and motivating not just me, but also a large number of passionate young musicians who share an infinite love for music and our rich culture," said Cordero. "I am committed to making the most out of this incredible opportunity and leaving a lasting impact in the world of music."

The Foundation also announced the recipients of its annual Gifted Tuition Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Scholarships, which award 43 talented students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to pursue an education at some of the most prestigious music institutions in the world.

In addition, upon completing their studies, Cordero and all the Gifted Tuition and Tuition Assistance scholarship recipients listed below will have the opportunity to join the newly formed Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship Alumni Network.

This network formalizes the Foundation's ongoing commitment to serve beyond scholarships by providing graduates opportunities to mentor current scholarship recipients, network with industry professionals, access exclusive events and resources as well as give back to the community.

The following three students will each receive the Gifted Tuition Scholarship, with a maximum value of $100,000, which will support the tuition costs of four years of study at the university, college or music institution of their choice are:

• Gabriel Américo, guitarist from Brazil 

• Camilo Astiazarán, guitarist from Uruguay

• Olivia Soler Espinosa, tres cubano from Cuba 

Tuition Assistance Scholarship Recipients:

In addition, the following 40 students will each receive the Tuition Assistance Scholarship, a one-time scholarship with a maximum value of $10,000 toward the tuition costs for the university or college of their choice:

Congratulations to all involved, and keep watching this space for more news and information about the Latin Recording Academy!

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools & El Fantasma Team Up To Support Music Education In San Antonio