Little Kids Rock Hits the Right Notes

One of the leading music charities in the United States, Little Kids Rock was established by elementary school teacher David Wish in 2002. Its history, however, goes back to 1996, when Wish became frustrated with the lack of funding for music education at his school. Wanting to give his students a chance to explore music, he started to offer after school guitar classes. The classes were a hit, hence Wish decided to expand his vision to the national level.

As music programs are usually the first to go with budget cuts, Little Kids Rock is on a mission to restore and revitalize music education in disadvantaged public schools. Recognizing the importance and benefits of playing music, the non-profit organization teams up with school districts to donate instruments and resources as well as provide training for public school teachers. At present, Little Kids Rock serves over 78,000 kids across the country.

Supported by honorary board members B.B. King, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, and many other well-known musicians, Little Kids Rock employs a teaching style that combines standard practices in music and general education. Students are encouraged to learn by doing and lessons focus on popular music styles that youngsters are already familiar with, such as rock, blues, and hip-hop. Furthermore, kids are taught composition and recording and get to make their own CDs and music videos.

Schools are given the option to offer music classes either as part of the core curriculum or as after school enrichment. In addition, the Little Kids Rock website has a section for young musicians where they can watch online lessons and music videos made by other kids.

In late 2009, the Dr. Phil Foundation launched Little Kids Rock Across America with a $500,000 donation to help Little Kids Rock reach even more pupils in underfunded public schools. Since then, over 7,000 instruments have been purchased and donated, nearly 200 teachers have been trained, and more than 33,000 students in 165 schools have been served by the program.