Music Will

Last updated
Music Will
FormerlyLittle Kids Rock, Inc.
Company type Non-profit organization
IndustryNonprofit, Education
Founded2002
Headquarters Montclair, New Jersey
Key people
David Wish, Founder
Janice Polizzotto, Interim CEO
Revenue5,813,939 United States dollar (2016)  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Website musicwill.org

Music Will, formerly known as Little Kids Rock (LKR), is a nonprofit charity based in Montclair, New Jersey, that encourages and enables children to play popular music. It provides free music instruction and instruments to public school districts across the country, from kindergarten through high school. Their modern band curriculum is rooted in popular music (rock, blues, hip hop, reggae, country music, funk, etc.) and their teaching methods are rooted in teaching music as a second language, with a heavy emphasis on composition and improvisation. [1] [2] It is the largest nonprofit music program in US public schools. [3] [4]

Contents

History

The program dates back to 1996 when David Wish, a first grade teacher in East Palo Alto, California, [5] began giving free guitar lessons to his students, as he was frustrated with the lack of music programming at his school. [6] He began by teaching his students the music they wanted to play, which led to him training other teachers to do the same. [1] He coined the term "modern band" to describe the curriculum of his music class, later publishing Modern Band Method textbooks with Hal Leonard. [7]

In 2002, Wish started Little Kids Rock as a nonprofit organization, [4] [8] and in the following years, the programme was extended to New York City and several other public schools districts. In September 2022, Little Kids Rock changed the organization's name to Music Will and announced a goal to reach one million more students in the next five years, and to expand to a wider variety of music styles. [3] [4] As of 2022, the program is in over 6,000 schools in 928 cities across 50 states. [3] It has brought free music lessons and instruments to 1.2 million students in the US, donated more than 100,000 instruments, and trained teachers in music education. [3]

Supporters

Music Will is supported by artists including Slash, Usher, Hozier, Mavis Staples, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, and Paul Simon. [1] [3] [4]

Since 2011, there has been an annual benefit for Music Will, with past performers and guests including Bruce Springsteen, Billy Squier, Joan Jett, Billie Joe Armstrong, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Ad-Rock, Graham Nash, Steve Miller, James Hetfield, Jack Black, Brian Wilson, Yo-Yo Ma, Lady Gaga, David Letterman, Tracy Morgan, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, and Wiz Khalifa. [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]

In May 2015, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, Chad Smith, was given the "Livin' The Dream Award" at the first annual Little Kids Rock Family Jam benefit at Facebook's Menlo Park campus for his work to help expand public schoolchildren's access to music education. The benefit raised over $85,000 to help provide music education for students. [15] [16]

In 2019, Adidas and the Beastie Boys collaborated on a special edition sneaker, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of Paul's Boutique , with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Music Will. [17]

Modern Band Summit

Since 2011, the charity has put on the Modern Band Summit, an annual conference for professional learning for music educators. In addition to educators and administrators, past summits have included artists discussing their careers and music education, including Darryl McDaniels, Linda Perry, and Steven Van Zandt. [18] [19] The program has statewide adoption in Maine [20] and New Hampshire. [21]

Amp Up NYC Initiative

Berklee College of Music and Music Will partnered [22] with the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) to expand the district's Modern Band music program to an additional 60,000 students in 600 city schools. [23] The Amp Up NYC initiative is the largest private investment to date in a city's public school music education program. [24] The donated services and resources for this initiative are estimated at $10 million. Berklee College of Music and Music Will will contribute teacher training, modern band curriculum, and thousands of new musical instruments. [22]

Related Research Articles

<i>Metallica</i> (album) 1991 studio album by Metallica

Metallica is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released on August 12, 1991, by Elektra Records. Recording sessions took place at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles over an eight-month span that frequently found Metallica at odds with their new producer Bob Rock. The album marked a change in the band's music from the thrash metal style of their previous four albums to a slower, heavier, and more refined sound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metallica</span> American heavy metal band

Metallica is an American heavy metal band. It was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. The band's fast tempos, instrumentals and aggressive musicianship made them one of the founding "big four" bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer. Metallica's current lineup comprises founding members and primary songwriters Hetfield and Ulrich, longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo. Guitarist Dave Mustaine, who formed Megadeth after being fired from Metallica, and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted are former members of the band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ziggy Marley</span> Jamaican reggae musician (born 1968)

David Nesta "Ziggy" Marley is a Jamaican reggae musician. He is the son of reggae icon Bob Marley and Rita Marley. He led the family band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers until 2002, with whom he released eight studio albums. After the disbandment, Ziggy launched a successful solo career, releasing eight solo studio albums on his own label, Tuff Gong Worldwide. Ziggy continues his father’s practice of recording and self-releasing all of his music. Marley is an eight-time Grammy Award winner and a Daytime Emmy Award recipient.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natalie Maines</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1974)

Natalie Louise Maines is an American musician. She is the lead vocalist for the country band the Chicks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Newsted</span> American bassist (born 1963)

Jason Curtis Newsted is an American musician, best known as the bassist of heavy metal band Metallica from 1986 to 2001. He performed with thrash metal band Flotsam and Jetsam for the first five years of his career before joining Metallica in October 1986 to succeed Cliff Burton, who died the month prior. Newsted performed on the albums ...And Justice for All (1988), Metallica (1991), Load (1996), and Reload (1997). He left the group in early 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Hetfield</span> American musician (born 1963)

James Alan Hetfield is an American musician. He is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, co-founder, and a primary songwriter of heavy metal band Metallica. He is mainly known for his intricate rhythm playing, but occasionally performs lead guitar duties and solos both live and in studio. Hetfield co-founded Metallica in October 1981 after answering an advertisement by drummer Lars Ulrich in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler. Metallica has won nine Grammy Awards and released 11 studio albums, three live albums, four extended plays, and 24 singles. Hetfield is often regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal rhythm guitar players of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chad Smith</span> American drummer

Chad Smith is an American musician who has been the drummer of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Smith is also the drummer of the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot, formed in 2008, and of the all-instrumental outfit Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats, formed in 2007. He worked with the Chicks on Taking the Long Way, an album that won five Grammy Awards in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Berklee College of Music</span> Private music college in Boston, Massachusetts, US

The Berklee College of Music is a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known for the study of jazz and modern American music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including rock, hip hop, reggae, salsa, heavy metal and bluegrass.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music education</span> Field of study associated with the teaching and learning of music

Music education is a field of practice in which educators are trained for careers as elementary or secondary music teachers, school or music conservatory ensemble directors. Music education is also a research area in which scholars do original research on ways of teaching and learning music. Music education scholars publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals, and teach undergraduate and graduate education students at university education or music schools, who are training to become music teachers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Disappear</span> 2000 Metallica song

"I Disappear" is a single by Metallica from the Mission: Impossible 2 soundtrack, which released on May 9, 2000. The music and lyrics were written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, and they were joined by Bob Rock to produce the song. The song's leak on the file-sharing service Napster prompted the band to sue the service. The soundtrack single was released on June 2, 2000.

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is a non-profit organization responsible for promoting Canadian music and artists. It is famous for its Juno Awards, which recognize achievements in the music industry of popular songs and music created by Canadian musicians. It administers the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the MusiCounts music education charity. CARAS's mandate is to promote and celebrate Canadian music and artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">School of Rock (company)</span> Music education program

School of Rock is a music education program. This for-profit educational company operates and franchises after-school music instruction schools in the United States, Chile, Canada, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, South Africa, Mexico, Australia, Paraguay, Taiwan, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and the Philippines. School of Rock currently has 307 open locations in fourteen countries serving more than 55,000 students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esperanza Spalding</span> American jazz bassist and singer

Esperanza Emily Spalding is an American bassist, singer, songwriter, and composer. Her accolades include five Grammy Awards, a Boston Music Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and two honorary doctorates: one from her alma mater Berklee College of Music and one from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caleb Chapman</span> American musician

Caleb Chapman is an American GRAMMY-nominated bandleader, music educator, author, entrepreneur, producer, motivational speaker, and musician from Derry, New Hampshire, who currently resides in Utah. A graduate of Brigham Young University, he is the founder and CEO of Caleb Chapman's Soundhouse, a music performance training program headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah and the director of Caleb Chapman's Crescent Super Band. Chapman has been recognized for his significant contributions to music education and has received numerous honors for his work as an educator, performer, and business leader.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Tranter</span> American singer-songwriter

Justin Drew Tranter is an American songwriter, singer, and activist. Frequently co-writing with Julia Michaels, Tranter has written songs for artists such as Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Linkin Park, Kelly Clarkson, Sara Bareilles, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, DNCE, Citizen Queen, Kesha, Imagine Dragons, The Knocks, Fifth Harmony, 5 Seconds of Summer, Chappell Roan, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Raye, Bea Miller, Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, Måneskin, and Fall Out Boy. From 2004 to 2014, Tranter was the lead singer of Semi Precious Weapons, a rock band based in New York. Since February 2017, they have been a board member of GLAAD, an organization that promotes LGBT acceptance in the entertainment and news industries. Tranter's songs have garnered over 50 million single sales and 40 billion streams on Spotify and YouTube as of May 2021.

Kars4Kids is a Jewish nonprofit car donation organization based in Lakewood, New Jersey in the United States. Kars4Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that states that its mission is "to fund educational, developmental, and recreational programs for low-income youth" through programs largely facilitated by its sister charity Oorah, which focuses on Jewish children and families. It was founded in 1994 and is currently headed by Eliyohu Mintz.

Rock For Kids is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois. Honorary board members include Martin Atkins of Invisible Records, Andrew Bird, Jon Langford, Johnny Marr of Modest Mouse and the Smiths, Nan Warshaw co-owner of Bloodshot Records, and Joe Shanahan owner of Metro Chicago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben McKee</span> American musician

Benjamin Arthur McKee is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is the bassist for the pop rock band Imagine Dragons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Warning (band)</span> Mexican rock band

The Warning is a Mexican rock band from Monterrey, formed in 2013 by the Villarreal Vélez sisters: Daniela, Paulina, and Alejandra. They have released four studio albums, two EPs, and 18 music videos. Their most recent studio album, Keep Me Fed, was released on June 28, 2024.

The Hagar Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 by Sammy and Kari Hagar. Primarily focused on children's causes and hunger relief for families in need, the foundation supports community-based food banks and provides funding for medical research and the care of critically ill children.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "A Conversation with David Wish". utne.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  2. ↑ "UpClose: David Wish, music education revolutionary?". sbomagazine.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Little Kids Rock Rebrands to 'Music Will' With Goal of Reaching One Million More Kids in Next Five Years". jazzedmagazine.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Little Kids Rock Rebrands as 'Music Will'". murfreesborovoice.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  5. ↑ "David Wish, the Founder and CEO of Little Kids Rock, Joins Denver Frederick". denver-frederick.com. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Little Kids Rock Benefit NYC 2014: Founder David Wish Explains Why Music Education Is Vital To The Future". musictimes.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  7. ↑ "The Modern Band Movement: Accessible, Relevant, and Student-Centered Education". symposium.music.org. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  8. ↑ Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation Archived 2014-04-16 at the Wayback Machine ,
  9. ↑ "Brian Wilson, Jack Black, James Hetfield Join Little Kids Rock Virtual Benefit". rollingstone.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Bruce Springsteen Surprises Steve Van Zandt at Little Kids Rock Concert". rollingstone.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Lady Gaga Donates $13,000 to Charity in Little Kids Rock Event". billboard.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Joan Jett Rocks Out With Billie Joe Armstrong, Alice Cooper & More at Charity Show". billboard.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Tracy Morgan to Honor Smokey Robinson at Annual Little Kids Rock Benefit". billboard.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Little Kids Rock Benefit: Steve Miller, Surprise Guest David Letterman, Darlene Love & More Perform". billboard.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Watch RHCP's Chad Smith Jam With Children for 'Little Kids Rock' Event". Rolling Stone. May 25, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  16. ↑ "National Nonprofit Little Kids Rock to Honor Chad Smith at Family-Friendly Fundraiser at Facebook HQ". Market Watch. May 16, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Adidas x Beastie Boys Sneaker Collab Releasing This Week". hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Fort Collins program teaches students and teachers to love music". wyomingnews.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Virtual Modern Band Summit: A Music Education Conference for the Moment". sbomagazine.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Little Kids Rock Kicks Off Statewide Music Education Program". bangordailynews.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Carlos Santana's Milagro Foundation Launches 'New Hampshire Rocks!' Music Education Program". billboard.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  22. 1 2 , Berklee.edu
  23. ↑ , Wall Street Journal
  24. ↑ , Boston Globe
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.