SONG Receives National SiriusXM MusiCounts Community Fund to Expand Youth Music Access

Port Hope, ON — Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG) is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a national grant from MusiCounts, Canada’s leading music education charity.

SONG is among a select group of organizations across the country receiving funding through the SiriusXM Soundwaves MusiCounts Community Fund — a national initiative distributing $500,000 to programs that provide music education to children and youth facing barriers.

SONG has been awarded $19,000 to support the continued growth of its programming across Northumberland County.

“This is a significant moment for our organization,” says Miles Bowman, Executive Director of SONG. “To be recognized at a national level by MusiCounts affirms the importance of rural music education and the role it plays in building confident, connected young people.”

The funding will be used to purchase instruments including guitars, bass guitars, keyboards, djembe drums, and portable sound equipment — expanding SONG’s ability to deliver programming across multiple communities. It will also support the involvement of professional artists who will lead workshops with students, helping to develop the sSounds of the Next Generation.

“This investment strengthens our ability to meet students where they are — in schools, community spaces, and on stages,” adds Artistic Director Lucas Marchand. “It allows us to continue growing a culture of music that belongs to this community.”

SONG provides free and low-barrier music programming for students in Grades 1–12 through its After School, In School, and SoundStage initiatives, reaching hundreds of young people annually.

With this national recognition and new resources in place, SONG continues to expand its impact — ensuring more young people across Northumberland have access to music, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with the JUNO Awards