US EditionRed Hot Chili Peppers Drummer Establishes Music Scholarship at University of Michigan
The Curtis & Joan Smith Scholarship will support financially needy freshmen committed to music careers, starting in 2026, per the Chad Smith Foundation.
- On Sunday, Chad Smith surprised the crowd at Hill Auditorium during Band-O-Rama, performing with the University of Michigan Marching Band and announcing a new music scholarship at the University of Michigan.
- Raised in Bloomfield Hills, Smith attended Lahser High School and credited Joan and Curtis Smith with nurturing his musical path, calling it a family affair earlier this week.
- The Curtis & Joan Smith Scholarship will award $40,000 to one incoming freshman in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance starting in fall of 2026, targeting students with financial need and a commitment to music.
- The Chad Smith Foundation says the award reinforces its mission to expand access to quality music education, with application details forthcoming as Smith hopes the program continues annually.
- The move follows a Minnesota award launched two months ago and the Chad Smith Foundation launched in August, leveraging Smith's decades with Red Hot Chili Peppers and 2012 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
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27 Articles
The Metro: The Chad Smith Foundation supports furthering music education at University of Michigan - WDET 101.9 FM
You may be familiar with the Grammy-winning band Red Hot Chilli Peppers, famous for songs like “Dani California on Stadium Arcadium” or “Can’t Stop” off the 2002 album “By The Way.” Hall of Fame Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith recently announced The Chad Smith Foundation. Chad grew up in Michigan and returned to the place where he got his start to help students do the same. The Curtis and Joan Smith Scholarship will honor his parents w…
Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer establishes music scholarship at University of Michigan
Chad Smith, drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers, announced his charity the Chad Smith Foundation and the UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance will provide need-based financial support for an incoming music student starting in fall 2026.
Associated Press News
Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith’s Midwest roots inspire surprise gift to U. of Michigan
Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith is gifting a need-based music scholarship to the University of Michigan. The 64-year-old grew up in Detroit's suburbs.
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