El Fantasma is the newest partner of the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program. The Mexican superstar recently joined forces with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, the Latin Recording Academy’s charitable organization amplifying the contributions of Latin music and its creators through educational initiatives, and Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, to invest $40,000 in an educational experience for Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio, Texas.

Last month, El Fantasma visited the school to perform for students and chat with them about his experience in the Latin music industry and his journey to becoming one of the most-streamed Regional Mexican artists in the world. The school also received a donation of musical instruments, courtesy of Ford Motor Company. This most recent investment in music education marks the 27th time that Ford Motor Company Fund has supported a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program.

Growing up in Mexico, El Fantasma didn't have the opportunity at a music education. Through his involvement with the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program, which informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations, he hopes to inspire the next generation to pursue their musical dreams.

In an interview with the Recording Academy, El Fantasma discussed his participation in the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program, the importance of music education, and his future plans.

Learn more about the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s mission and how to donate to and support this groundbreaking organization.

Why did you want to participate with the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools educational program?

For me, it is very important to support the new generations, and this program is promoting and encouraging the education and training for these future musicians.

Why is a program like this one important for music education in schools?

It is important because this program helps our community and provides an opportunity for all those young people who want to venture into music.

What does music education mean to you? Did you have a teacher or mentor that showed you about music when you were growing up?

Music education in schools is very important because it reinforces the art for students from an early age. Since I was a child, I liked music, but I never had the opportunity to have a musical education at school. I only did music informally with friends and family. My family was my mentor. Music has been entwined in my family for generations. We carry it in our blood, as they say in Mexico.

When I was little, the only entertainment came from family members who had taught themselves to play various old instruments. The sounds were rough, but it came from the need to live together and forge moments of unity and family entertainment.

You worked as a landscaper in the U.S. before becoming one of Regional Mexican music's biggest stars. What do you think now looking back on that journey and how far you have come?

It was a journey of many challenges and a lot of work, but it was all worth it. It is important to fight for your dreams until you achieve them. It is nice to be at this point in my career and look back on the path I took to get here.

How do you feel to see Regional Mexican music becoming one of the biggest genres in the world now?

As an exponent of this genre, I feel proud that all this is happening with our Mexican music worldwide. I believe that each and every one of us contributed our grain of sand so that this explosion could finally happen.

You're going to tour the U.S. with La Séptima Vuelta Tour and you recently released your Xperimental EP. What do you want to accomplish next with your career?

I want my name to be part of the history of Mexican music, and I want the genre to continue conquering new frontiers.

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