Allied Organizations

The Ohio Foundation for Music Education: Investing in Ohio’s Musical Future

Jay Wardeska

For generations, music has been a defining part of Ohio’s cultural fabric. Behind the scenes, the Ohio Foundation for Music Education (OFME) works tirelessly to make sure that every student in the state has the opportunity to experience a rich, high-quality music education.

Created to support and expand the work of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), the Foundation serves as a philanthropic and advocacy arm of Ohio’s music education community. Its mission is simple but profound — to ensure that music remains accessible, sustainable, and central to the educational lives of Ohio’s students.

OFME Summer Winds

Leading with Vision

The work of OFME is guided by a passionate group of leaders who bring their time, expertise, and dedication to the table. The Board of Directors is led by President Mike Crist, joined by Sheryl Boyer, Jerry Pellegrino, Dan Ruckman, Gene Warman, and Kari Willoughby. Together with Executive Director Jay Wardeska, they steer the Foundation’s activities with a steady hand and a clear sense of purpose.

This past summer, the Foundation also welcomed Austin Ahlborn, a Master’s student at The Ohio State University, as its intern. Austin’s project — a comprehensive marketing and branding proposal — will help increase the Foundation’s visibility and broaden its reach, ensuring that more Ohioans learn about and support this important mission.

“The Ohio Foundation for Music Education is investing in the future — one student, one teacher, and one community at a time.”

Celebrating Music, Building Community

Fundraising at OFME is more than raising dollars; it’s about creating experiences that celebrate the joy of music and bring communities together.

One of the highlights of the year was the Strike-A-Chord Golf Outing at Chapel Hill Golf Course in Mount Vernon. Nearly 70 golfers took part in the shotgun-style event, which combined friendly competition with a shared passion for music education. The day raised significant funds to further OFME’s work, proving that even on the golf course, music can bring people together.

Equally inspiring was the second annual Summer Winds at Wolf Creek, held at Wolf Creek Winery in Akron. More than 700 adult musicians filled the grounds with performances throughout the day, while raffles and community donations poured in to support the Foundation’s mission. The event showcased the enduring spirit of lifelong musicianship while also directly benefiting young students across the state.

OFME Summer Winds

“Over 700 adult musicians performed throughout the day at Summer Winds at Wolf Creek — proving music is a lifelong passion.”

OFME Summer Winds

Investing in Tomorrow’s Teachers and Leaders

At the heart of OFME’s work are the students and teachers who represent the future of Ohio music education. In 2025 alone, the Foundation provided 16 All-State Scholarships to student musicians, helping them access life-changing performance opportunities. In addition, five Edith M. Keller Scholarships were awarded to student teachers, easing financial pressures as they prepare to enter classrooms of their own.

These scholarships represent more than just financial assistance — they are investments in the dreams of Ohio’s next generation of music educators and performers.

“In 2025, OFME awarded 21 scholarships — supporting both young performers and the teachers who will inspire future generations.”

Why Support Matters

None of this work would be possible without the generous support of OMEA members, community donors, and arts advocates. Every dollar raised goes directly toward OFME’s mission: ensuring that every Ohio student has access to the life-changing power of music.

As the Foundation looks to the future, it remains committed to championing equity, access, and opportunity. Whether through scholarships, innovative programming, or community-building events, the Ohio Foundation for Music Education is investing in a vision where music is not just a subject in school — but a vital, transformative part of every student’s life.

“A high-quality music education for every Ohio student — that’s the ultimate goal.”

Together, with the support of educators, advocates, and friends, the Ohio Foundation for Music Education continues to strike a powerful chord for Ohio’s students.

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