Budget cuts threaten the elimination of thousands of music education programs in school systems across the nation.

The Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts aims to promote the essential role of the arts in education through learning initiatives for the development of students in the Birmingham Area.

Play some background music from Ruben while you browse the site.

Ruben’s Vision

For Ruben Studdard, music has always been an integral part of his life. His desires to share his musical gifts with the world ultimately lead him to enter a national competition that discovered new talent from across the U.S. The rest is history! Ruben was named the 2003 American Idol.

Ruben's love for music and his sincere desire to give back to his community lead to the creation of The Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts. As a product of the Birmingham's City School System, Ruben experienced first-hand the significance of how music education can impact a child's life.

With budget cuts threatening the elimination of thousands of music education programs in school systems across the nation, Ruben is impassioned about the students in Birmingham never having this scenario become a reality.

Did you know?

The U.S. Department of Education found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show "significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12."

The College Entrance Examination Board found that students involved in public school music programs scored 107 points higher on the SAT'S than student with no participation.

According to a 2003 Gallup survey, 95% of Americans believe that music is a key component in a child's well-rounded education.

Scholoarship recipient

Past Events

Scholarship recipient

Here are a few events that The Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts has participated in:

  • Made a significant contribution to United Way of Central Alabama
  • Visited Children's Hospital in Birmingham
  • Participated in 2004 National Education Association's Read Across America, Celebrating Dr. Seuss' 100th birthday
  • Inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame
  • Donated "Soulful" CDs and t-shirts to a local troop serving in Iraq
  • Scholarships for high school seniors majoring in Music
  • Held luncheon for exceptional Birmingham City schools music students
  • Visited Birmingham city schools music departments