• 43
    higher points on Math SAT scores in schools w/ music education
  • 57
    higher points on Verbal SAT score in schools w/ music education
  • 90.2%
    graduation rate in schools w/ music education
  • 93.3%
    attendance rate in schools w/ music education

Transforming children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education

The MISSION of Little Kids Rock is to transform lives by restoring, expanding, and innovating music education in our schools.

Why is it important?

Music has the ability to empower students in various aspects of their lives. Schools that offer music programs show higher attendance and graduation rates than those that do not. SAT test scores increase in both the verbal and mathematics subjects. Additionally, students develop stronger self-esteem, communicative, collaborative, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for a brighter future.

How do they do it?

Little Kids Rock trains and equips public school teachers with all of the instruments, curricular resources and support they need to launch modern and engaging music programs. What makes Little Kids Rock different is that they do more than just donate instruments like guitars, basses, drums and keyboards; they build lasting music programs that focus on teaching kids to perform, improvise and compose the popular music genres that they already know and love from day one, like rock, pop, blues, hip-hop, country, reggae and R&B.

Progress so far?

Since 2002, Little Kids Rock has helped enrich the lives of more than 400,000 children in 30 cities by giving them access to music education opportunities that they otherwise would not have had, and the confidence to express themselves creatively through making music. Teachers report that almost one third of their students have composed their own music or improvised. When it comes to the classroom and community, 86 percent of students become more involved and engaged. Lastly, 75 percent of teachers have experienced a positive impact in their teaching as a result of this shared musical experience.

Supporters you may know:

Musicians from all genres have helped support this cause, including Metallica, Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Steven Van Zandt, Steve Miller, Joan Jett, Billie Joe Armstrong, Slash, Rascal Flatts, Chad Smith, Darlene Love, and many others.

Array
AMP UP NYC

AMP UP NYC

Ongoing | Current Project

Amp Up NYC is a partnership with Berklee College of Music to support the expansion of Modern Band music programming in the New York City Department of Education – the nation’s largest public school district.
The Annual Little Kids Rock Benefit

The Annual Little Kids Rock Benefit

Annual Event | Short Term

The Annual Little Kids Rock Benefit the nation’s premier annual benefit event supporting music education in public schools, and has been Little Kids Rock’s largest fundraising event each year since 2009.
Modern Band Rockfest

Modern Band Rockfest

Annual Event | Short Term

Modern Band Rockfest is the only national conference focused on advancing Modern Band in the US public school system. This occurs every summer in Fort Collins, CO.

Active Operating Locations

  • Verona, NJ (HQ)
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bridgeport, CT
  • Chicago, IL
  • Dallas, TX
  • East Palo Alto, CA
  • Fort Collins, CO
  • Hartford, CT
  • Houston, TX
  • Jersey City, NJ
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Memphis, TN
  • Miami, FL
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Montclair, NJ
  • Nashville, TN
  • New Orleans, LA
  • New York City, NY
  • Newark, NJ
  • Oakland, CA
  • Pasadena, CA
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • San Diego, CA
  • Savannah, GA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Shreveport, LA
  • Tampa, FL
  • Trenton, NJ
  • Washington, D.C.
  • West Contra Costa County, CA
  • 68%
    decrease in discipline issues w/ LKR music program
  • 94%
    increased engagement in music w/ LKR music program
  • 72%
    of students have performed for their peers or community
  • 75%
    of teachers reported a positive impact w/ LKR music program
Favorite
Explore Destinations

A $10 donation unlocks exclusive hotel rates + perks. Be sure to select your favorite charity at check-out.