“Music Academy” is the story of Joan, a single mother and her musically gifted daughter, Annie. Knowing her daughter’s talent and potential, Joan began sacrificing personal luxuries to save for Annie’s higher education long before her daughter even set her ambitions on the most prestigious musical academy in the country. Like most teenagers, Annie is completely unaware of her mother’s sacrifices until the end of the film when she’s accepted into her school of choice.

In a world where financial commercials paint unrealistic, rosy futures and pressure you into obtaining financial wellness, Principal’s “Music Academy” ad showcases that all dreams are within reach.

In the United States, higher education is extremely expensive; some young adults forego college to avoid debt or they choose a university-based purely on cost. Families plan for their children’s higher education from the moment of their birth, and the rising cost of a college education can overburden families struggling to make ends meet. Music Academy is the heartwarming story of a mother who sacrifices luxury for her child’s higher education. Principal illustrates that investing with them can help alleviate financial pressures and make any dream a reality.

Open on a Principal logo.

A woman parks her old, beat up car, and walks into a school hallway where a bunch of other parents are waiting, too.

Through the door, she sees a youth orchestra finishing up practice. Her teenage daughter, carrying a cello, walks out among the other kids.

The daughter throws her cello into the back of her mom's old car. The mother has to wiggle the shifter several times to get the car into gear.

Mother: You sounded good tonight.

Daughter: Mom you’ve got to get yourself a new car.

Mother: The car is fine.

In her Principal advisor’s office, the mother holds papers and shakes her head.

Mother: I wish I could save faster.

Advisor: You’re making good choices. You’ll get there.

The daughter gets a big envelope from the mailbox. She’s reading an acceptance letter from a prestigious music school with wide eyes but then sees the tuition cost. Tears and frustration in her eyes, she throws it in the garbage.

Cut to the daughter throwing her cello in the trunk another day and getting into the car.

Mother: Got it?

Daughter: Yeah.

Cut to the mother talking to her Principal advisor.

Mother: Thank you. Bye.

Cut to the daughter throwing her cello in the trunk again another day and getting into the car. The mother holds out the crinkled up acceptance letter.

Mother: Were you going to tell me about this?

Daughter: I know I can’t afford to go. You can’t even afford to get yourself a new car.

Mother: I still have this car so you can afford to go.

The daughter tears up when she realizes what this all means and hugs her mother.

Mother: I am so proud of you.

Daughter: Thank you, mom.

Super: Invest in what matters most.

Super: Principal. We can help you plan for that.