A Conversation with 2025 MMC Winner Ramon Campos – A Student Using Music to Give Back

As he enters his senior year of high school, Ramon Campos already has an impressive résumé: accomplished violinist, cross-country athlete, community teacher, and winner of Let Music Fill My World’s 2025 Music Matters Challenge (MMC). We sat down with Ramon to learn more about his creative submission, his plans for the prize money, and what it means to help shape the future of music education.

Q: How did you find out about the Music Matters Challenge?

I was online looking for ways to raise money for a fundraiser for my cross-country team when I came across a news article about the Music Matters Challenge. I was instantly drawn in, since it felt like a rare and straightforward opportunity for a high school student like me to enter. It was the perfect way to connect my love for music with my desire to give back to the community and support a cause bigger than myself.

Q: Your submission — teaching others to play the MMC anthem on the Otamatone — was really unique. What inspired that approach?

I had just learned how to play the Otamatone for a school concert, and the timing felt perfect. I also teach free violin lessons in my community, so I’m always thinking about how to make music fun, accessible, and approachable. The Otamatone was a playful way to show that you don’t need a fancy instrument to experience the joy of learning music. I wanted the video to reflect how music can connect and inspire, no matter the setting or tool.

Q: What was it like seeing your community rally behind your submission?

It was honestly overwhelming, but in the best way. My school district, youth orchestra, and even local leaders came together to support me. I’ve received so much from my music community over the years — free lessons, mentorship, encouragement — so this felt like a full-circle moment. The challenge allowed me to give back while also reminding me just how strong and generous that support system really is.

Q: You won $10,000 through the Challenge. What are you doing with it?

The funds are currently helping support a 5K fundraiser this fall called Donut Dash, which raises scholarship money for student-athletes in the arts. I actually found out I won right after finishing a cross-country practice, so it was the perfect moment to celebrate with my teammates. I’ve since partnered with a local nonprofit to manage the donations and make the process more transparent. Eventually, I hope to use the money to build an endowment that can provide scholarships year after year, helping other students like me feel empowered to pursue both their athletic and creative passions.

Q: You also helped choose a school to receive a $300,000 grant to fund a full-time music teacher. What was that like?

It’s still ongoing, but already an incredible experience. I’ve been invited to sit at the table with district leaders and music educators to help envision how this funding can be used to grow and sustain the school’s music program. Being part of those conversations and knowing that a new generation of students will have consistent access to music education is an honor. It feels like a real way to make a lasting impact.

Q: You attended Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra this summer. What stood out to you most?

I expected it to be super intense, and the musicians were incredible, but what surprised me most was how down-to-earth and fun it all was. We had long rehearsals, sure, but we also played ping pong, hung out in the lounge, and even had a bagpipe dance party. It reminded me that even at the highest levels, music is still about joy, community, and connection.

Q: What are your goals for the future?

This year, I’m considering applying to college as a cognitive science major because I’ve always been interested in how people think, learn, and connect. I’ve also learned it’s pretty common for musicians to study this field, so I’m excited to learn more. I don’t have a set career path just yet, but one personal goal is to become a better communicator. Whether I’m teaching music or working in another field, I want to make sure I can express ideas clearly and truly listen to others. That’s something music has helped me practice, and I want to keep building that skill.

Q: Can you share more about your experience giving free violin lessons in your community?

A: Through my youth orchestra, I helped start a program that paired older students with younger ones to give them a taste of private lessons. It was inspired by something I wished I had when I was first starting out, so it felt especially meaningful to create that opportunity for others. One of my favorite moments was working with a student who loved video game music. We bonded over that, and he later wrote me a note saying he felt like he had made a friend. That experience showed me how teaching can build connections that go beyond music, and it inspired me to expand the program so more students could benefit.

Q: Any advice for college students preparing to become music teachers?

Listen deeply. And not just to what students say, but through nonverbal cues, like how they move, how they play, and what they’re trying to express. As someone who teaches, I’ve learned that when a student feels heard, they’re more open, more confident, and more willing to grow. It’s easy to get caught up in what you’re trying to teach, but sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause, pay attention, and make sure your students know you truly see and hear them.

About the Music Matters Challenge:

Hosted each spring by Let Music Fill My World, the Music Matters Challenge is a nationwide competition that celebrates the power of music and rallies support for music education. Open to individuals and schools, participants share a rendition of “Let Music Fill My World” and a personal story about music’s impact. Winners receive either a $10,000 cash prize or a $25,000 school grant, with the chance to help place full-time music teachers in under-resourced communities. Together, these entries build a national showcase of why music matters and drive direct investment in music programs and educators.

Learn more at LetMusicFillMyWorld.com