Fender® Launches 2026 Application Period for Charity Program "FENDER®︎ YOUTH MUSIC PROGRAM"

Fender Music Corporation (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) will begin accepting applications for the second round (2026 fiscal year) of its charity program, "Fender®︎ Youth Music Program," which supports the activities of light music clubs in junior high and high schools across Japan, starting July 9 (Thu).

This program supports the activities of light music clubs in junior high and high schools nationwide. Selected schools will receive free provision of equipment such as guitars, basses, and amplifiers, as well as special music lessons from active artists.

Through this program, we aim to expand opportunities for children to foster self-expression, cooperation, and creativity while enjoying playing instruments and band activities, as well as to develop light music culture and establish practical and sustainable music environments in educational settings.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the "National Association of School Light Music Clubs," an NPO that supports light music clubs nationwide, this program will identify the support needs of schools based on feedback from the field and conduct fair and effective charity activities.

Support Details

1) Provision of Instruments: Approximately 10 instruments in total, including electric guitars, electric basses, and acoustic guitars, along with peripheral equipment such as guitar amps/bass amps, practice portable amps, cables, straps, picks, and stands (determined based on school requests).

2) Special Music Lessons by Fender-selected artists.

Past Initiatives (Examples from the 2025 Fiscal Year)

In the first "Fender® Youth Music Program" held in the 2025 fiscal year, we supported two schools: Wakayama Prefectural Wakayama High School and Hokkaido Otaru Fisheries High School.

Both schools received donations of instruments and equipment such as guitars, basses, and amplifiers, and received special music lessons from professional artists. At Wakayama Prefectural Wakayama High School, singer-songwriter Otoha-otoha- participated, and at Hokkaido Otaru Fisheries High School, singer-songwriter Fumino participated. Students had the opportunity to experience live performances by artists active as professionals up close. The events also featured discussions not only about performance but also about how to approach music, the joy of expression, and the appeal of band activities. After the events, reports indicated an increase in students interacting with instruments, leading to increased light music activities within the schools.

A documentary video capturing the events of the program held at both schools is available on Fender Japan's official YouTube channel. Please watch the video to see the events of the day, interactions with artists, and students enjoying their instruments. A report article on this project will also be published on FenderNews at a later date. Please enjoy it along with the video.

Video URL: https://youtu.be/IGhOHf9rHsQ

Wakayama Prefectural Wakayama High School

Hokkaido Otaru Fisheries High School

Application Method

To apply for the "Fender®︎ Youth Music Program," please fill out the necessary information on the application page below and submit your application. Applications are accepted on a school basis. Please ensure that a staff member applies.

Application Acceptance Period: July 9, 2026 (Thu) - September 4, 2026 (Fri)

Application Page URL: https://www.research.net/r/Fender_Youth_Music_Program_2026

Application Requirements:

Schools that meet all of the following conditions are eligible:

1) Junior high schools, high schools, and special needs schools nationwide (including public, national, and private schools).

2) Aiming to improve music education or light music club activities.

3) Schools that have a light music club or plan/consider establishing one in the future.

4) Schools that fall under the above conditions and answer all questions, including "Questions about Music Education/Light Music Club," at the time of application.

Selection Results:

Fender will select and determine the supported schools from among those that meet the above conditions. The selection results will be communicated to the representatives of the selected schools by the end of September 2026. Please note that individual notifications will not be sent to schools that are not selected. (※ Fender reserves the right to select applicants at its sole discretion for this program.)

<Charity Overview>

Name

Fender®︎ Youth Music Program

Target Audience

Junior high schools, high schools, and special needs schools nationwide (applications are accepted on a school basis).

(Including public, national, and private schools)

Support Details

1) Provision of instruments such as electric guitars, electric basses, and acoustic guitars (10 units total or more), and peripheral equipment such as guitar amps/bass amps, cables, straps, picks, portable amps, and stands (details determined based on school requests).

2) Special music lessons by Fender-selected artists.

※ The timing and artists will be a surprise until the day of the event.

※ A lottery will be held among schools that wish to participate.

※ Implementation may be postponed due to social conditions.

Schedule

Application Start: July 9, 2026 (Thu)

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Application Deadline: September 4, 2026 (Fri)

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Selection

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Interviews with selected schools

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Final Decision/Notification (Selected schools will be contacted by the end of September.)

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Provision of Support (Events are scheduled to be held between October 2026 and March 2027)

URL

https://jp.fender.com/pages/fender-youth-music-program

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

Since its founding in 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as a leading global manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of musical instruments. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) owns and licenses a variety of brands including FENDER®, SQUIER®, GRETSCH®, JACKSON®, EVH®, CHARVEL®, BIGSBY®, and PRESONUS®. With a player-centric approach, FMIC delivers the highest quality instruments and digital experiences across all genres. Since 2015, Fender's digital division has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to support players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender's guitars, amps, effects, accessories, and pro audio equipment, inspiring players through immersive musical experiences. FMIC is dedicated to empowering all players, from beginners to legendary artists, to express their musical creativity. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2021, FMIC continues to connect players by sharing a love for music, carrying on the vision of founder Leo Fender.