Chili Peppers' Chad Smith launches national music ed program in Milwaukee

By Bobby TanziloSenior Editor/WriterPublished Mar 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM

While Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea releases his first solo record this week to acclaim, the band’s drummer, Chad Smith, deserves some kudos, too, especially in Milwaukee.

Smith’s foundation announced on Wednesday that it is launching a nation-wide After-School Music Program (AMP) in an effort to make high-quality music education more accessible via after-school programming. 

Milwaukee is where the hands-on music learning program is getting off the ground in partnership with  the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, the Salvation Army, Notes for Notes and Running Rebels.

Smith will personally match donations, up to $100,000, to the initiative.

The AMP program focuses on funding instructors, instruments and access to “premier music experiences” via a “perks program.”

The Chad Smith Foundation says it will find qualified music instructors and help place them directly at program sites. It will also cover the cost of instruction, to not only guarantee that students have high-quality educators but that those teachers are paid a fair and sustainable wage.

It also provides instruments, equipment and curriculum resources.

The Perks Program will reward instructors and students for consistent participation in the program, offering things like concert tickets, opportunities to meet artists, access to professional music environments, and experiences like performance opportunities, including a chance to play with Smith.

“Music has the power to change lives, and every child deserves the chance to experience that,” says Smith.

“AMP is about bringing instructors, instruments and opportunities directly to kids, so they can discover their own voice through music. At the Foundation, we are working to eliminate all the barriers that we hear too often as reasons for why young adults don’t have access to music programs.”

AMP-funded lessons are already underway in Milwaukee and all students at the participating sites are eleigible to take part.

“We’re excited to be the first Boys & Girls Club in the country to partner with the Chad Smith Foundation to bring even more music-based opportunities to our students,” says Jeff Snell, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.

“This is an example of how we seek to innovate so our kids have enriching experiences. Music opens doors to creativity, confidence and community, and this program gives our young people hands-on opportunities they might not otherwise have. AMP will help our students explore their talents and discover a love for music that can last a lifetime.”

For more on the Chad Smith Foundation and on how you can donate to help support the initiative, go to chadsmithfoundation.org.