Denver, CO

Paul Keen —

"Without music education in high school I would most likely be a high school drop out. It gave me a social group with a common interest when I had no friends or passions. It gave me confidence in myself and belief that I was capable of great things where before I was convinced I was stupid and worthless. Although I did not grow up to be a musician, music education was the best thing for me and kept me in high school. Because I did that, I am now on my way to being a lawyer."

Minneapolis, MN

Laura Leonard —

"School of Rock has given my child such confidence that has carried over to other parts of his life. He has found his passion for music."

Atlanta, GA

Dr. Uzee Brown Jr. —

"Music matters to me because it is that universal voice of tone and timbre that can express so many dimensions of humanism; it opens up the mind to creativity that goes beyond how we live, and constantly reminds us of why we live."

Wahiawa, Hawaii

Matt Rowland —

"Why does music matter? Are you kidding?! It is a release for the soul. Are we supposed to sit in classrooms and study from books all day? God gave us ... drums , pianos, trumpets, saxophones, voices. What a beautiful thing it is when they come into harmony! We all have different gifts and ways of self-expression. With a place to show and develop the Beethovens & Beatles, all humanity benefits, players & listeners. What you are doing is fantastic! May God bless you in your endeavor!"

Minneapolis, MN

Emily Skeels —

"Music is a way to express yourself. Some of us are not good with words, but we FEEL it. Music is just another medium to get those feelings across. The thought that some kids are denied this style of expression is depressing to me. "

Music Matters

Why the Music Matters.

The value of a musical education extends far beyond the very important skill of knowing how to create your own melodies. Self-esteem, persistence, and an appreciation for hard work all develop along with proficiency in an instrument; in addition, research has shown that the study of music has a positive impact on math, reading, and overall learning skills.