LITTLE KIDS ROCK INC
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Altruism in the form of empowering our disadvantaged urban youth. I speak as an LKR advocate/teacher in NJ for three years...their methods are unprecedented, their network is growing exponentially, and their core values and pedagogy applies to all content areas as well.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
training, follow-up visits, their interactive website, charity events, local press and celebrity involvement.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand the styles of music, including more cultural sounds endemic to urban areas (i.e.Latino and hip hop music)
My role with the Dallas ISD is coordinating partnerships that support our 230 schools. For the past four years, we've been blessed to have support from Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit with an incredible track record of transforming children's lives by improving and revitalizing music education in public schools in Dallas and 25 other cities nationwide. We honored this group with our highest recognition, the Superintendent's Partnership Award, in 2010.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Nearly 9,500 students from 87 Dallas ISD schools benefit from Little Kids Rock, which trains teachers in its innovative curriculum and donates the instruments and resources necessary to run modern music programs in schools which are threatened by budget cuts. In Dallas, this wonderful organization has offered teachers the means by which to open a new and exciting creative adventure with students, whose lives are changed by the experience in ways that are beautiful to behold. From elementary to high school
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Secure more funding so that Little Kids Rock could do even more. Encourage foundations and others with financial resources to support the work of this organization as they change lives of young people across the country, and in my own school district.
Little Kids Rock is unique among nonprofits in how clear a path there is from a donation to a direct service. Money raised goes right to kids, and you can see immediate, life-changing impact from the moment they hold an instrument for the first time. LKR teachers are the most dedicated, creative volunteers I have ever met in 14 years of professional nonprofit experience. Rock on, LKR!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
classroom visits, concerts, and conversations with teachers.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help it grow in breadth and depth.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of advisors?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
I am so honored to be a part of Little Kids Rock and to be one of their ambassador teachers. What LKR has done for the two schools I teach at is phenomenal. What LKR has done for our district is unparalleled. They have trained and equipped over 100 teachers in the Dallas area. At my schools alone, they have not only given over 60 instruments, but have provided teacher support like no other organization I have ever seen. Through LKR, I have been able to meet musicians and music teachers from across the country, learn, work on curriculum, and grow as a teacher.
Little Kids Rock makes every teacher feel like somebody important. In turn, we teachers are inspired to make our students feel the same way. Little Kids Rock is not only helping to put music back in the public school classroom, it is putting fun back in learning...
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
growth in my guitar-based music program to over 170 students! I have also had the new experiences of helping in teacher training and curriculum writing. Little Kids Rock even set up a celebrity music special guest to my classroom!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help spread the word to funders nationwide.
I was introduced to Little Kids Rock in January of 2011 by one of my college professors. Interested in music PR (as a potential career), I had researched the company and found that as a charity, LKR raises money to restore and revitalize music education in public schools. It wasn't until I became a volunteer that I FULLY understood what this organization does for children. Yes, they provide free musical instruments and lessons to students who's schools have been stripped of the funds to provide for them, but they also allow for students to learn and explore their creativity and confidence. Without these lessons, students have a stronger chance of getting into trouble, and being less engaged in their school work. LKR gives kids something to look forward to - it makes them WANT to get up in the morning and go to school. It's said that approximately 52% of students engaged in music are more likely to attend college and/or continue their education after high school. That statistic alone had this organization on the top of my favorite list. With music lessons boosting a child's confidence and creativity, it's no wonder why music classes are so important to a school's curriculum. Don't let a rock star slip through the cracks! Help LKR help our children.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing how many students LKR provides for nation-wide and seeing how much they love their music lessons.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand. Make LKR available to clubs (such as the Boys and Girls Club, ect..) and private schools.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
This experience made me feel like my opinion mattered. The work I did was valued and appreciated.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
After coming across the Little Kids Rock organization , I was totally impressed by their mission & commitment !
Having been fortunate enough to grow up & participate in school music programs during my elementary , junior high & high-school years during the '60's , I'm well aware of the advantages & positive impact that education provided myself & my peers ! Many of them, including myself , are still involved in music as performers or business professionals or both .
Luckily through my company & my network of clients / friends , I've been able to connect LKR with some people & opportunities that will hopefully further their cause & benefit all concerned !
Also previously held a fund-raiser & plan on doing more in the future !
http://www.woodstock4ever.biz/Keepin--Kids-Rockin-.html
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing what it's doing for children across the country
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Open the doors to use other professional musicians to teach lessons as well as certified music teachers !
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of advisors?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
Internet
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Raising funds
What is its top priority in the long run?
Impacting children's futures !
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
I am so thankful and honored to be part of the Little Kids Rock Family. I got started with this program on accident. The music teacher could not make the Little Kids Rock Workshop in Chicago back in 2007, so I was asked if I'd like to check it out. No worries, give up my weekend to see how we can qualify for free guitars. I myself had just started playing an instrument in 2005 so this was exciting for me. After experiencing the LKR pedagogy and how they simplified theory into student friendly terms, I was hooked! Flash forward three years later, and now I currently hold a music endorsement on my teaching certificate! I originally started as a middle school History teacher, moved to Physical Education, and now I hold an accredidation for music from the Berkley College of Music. Who would have thought that this weekend workshop would change my life as a person, starting musician, and an instructor! The kids love love LOVE this program, especially now that they can transition between chords! LKR has provided a curriculum, a drum set, and of course GUITARS!!! When LKR is scheduled at my school, it is the highlight of my day. We have had such great times, jammed with professionals, played in front of 300 + people, the list goes on and on. And why did this happen? Hard work, dedication, and the tools provided by the Little Kids Rock Foundation to get us at the level where we are today!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my own school. Every child that watches the kids strolling along the hallways with their guitars and their LKR shirts knows that they are rock stars in the making! The little ones (ages 5-10) especially!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give raises to the wonderful staff members at Little Kids Rock headquarters for all that they do in their fight to keep music alive in our schools!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The instruments and the easy to use curriculum.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
experienced in what they were "selling." Very friendly and down to earth.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
provide even MORE INSTRUMENTS to MORE STUDENTS NATIONWIDE!!
Ways to make it better...
....well how could it get better?
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
like any other non-for profit in these tought economical times; funding.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I totally love this program!!!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I got very lucky and became a music teacher at my school in the South Bronx. I had been a New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching 5th grade. I started an after school guitar program and at the end of the year, was offered a position teaching music. (The school had no music or art program prior). I was excited, but also quite nervous because I didn't have any experience teaching music. My very first day as a music teacher, I was sent to a workshop and saw an ad for free guitars for my school. It was an organization called Little Kids Rock and all I had to do was attend a weekend seminar. It sounded cool, so I signed up. That weekend seminar was THE defining moment of my pedagogical career. Not only did LKR provide instruments for my school, but they provided ME with a solid philosophical foundation for music education. I implemented the methodology and curriculum which LKR provided into my daily classes. I also used it during the after school program. The music program literally changed the culture of the entire school. The rock band became a staple of the community. We were given the opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden, city hall, The Knitting Factory and more. I am so grateful for LKR for all they've for me and my students. They have literally changed the lives of hundreds of students in New York. I cannot say enough for this organization and what they do for our children. Additionally, I think it's important to mention that LKR does not simply train a teacher and forget about them. We are literally part of a community. Teachers use 'The Hang' a community website to share lesson plans, post video of students performing, keep in touch. LKR is awesome!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my school, with my students, and with my pedagogy. I have seen what learning to play an instrument can mean to a child. I've seen children express themselves through songwriting, (an important tenant of the LKR philosophy).
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'd love to see a secondary workshop for teachers who have been doing the program, in order to provide secondary and more advanced lessons and techniques. LKR is incredible.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the awesome curriculum and philosophy that has guided me as a music teacher from the very first month of teaching.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
always freindly, helpful, and caring.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world! Offer more instruments, expand the curriculum to other instruments, offer secondary level pedagogy, give more workshops and help more kids!
Ways to make it better...
it's hard to say... LKR has done so much for me, I can't really answer
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the ability to expand the curriculum to other instruments and offer workshops and instruments such as piano/keyboard.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I really love Little Kids Rock. It's changed my life for the better and done the same for THOUSANDS of kids across the country.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Little Kids Rock is an amazing organization. When I began teaching at my current school 10 years ago, I learned about a free music workshop that would guarantee guitars for between 10 - 20 students. The summer workshop was led by LKR's very energetic founder and had a big impact on all the teachers who attended. In addition to the free guitars and other music materials for students, LKR arranged other summer sessions for teachers to get together and share strategies as well as opportunities for students to "play out" around San Francisco or to work with professional musicians from the Conservatory of Music.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Many of the students that participated in my classes as elementary students continued playing guitar or took up other instruments in middle school, high school, and even college. Several of them also learned the joy of writing & performing their own music
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not know what to change. It's a phenomenal organization that is providing musical education to students during times when such programs are being cut even from high schools. Little Kids Rock literally rocks.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the continued care and concern LKR takes with individual teachers despite how much the organization has grown in the last 10 years.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
friendly, extremely helpful, and fun!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
reach so many more children, maybe even uncovering or nurturing the next Beatle.
Ways to make it better...
I'd only found out about it sooner than I did.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
finding teachers who can make the time to offer music classes to students after school.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I was first introduced to Little Kids Rock several years ago, when as a music teacher, I was given the opportunity to attend a free workshop with them in which they would donate guitars and materials to my music program. I was typically cynical about these workshops, having attended many that seemed to have no practical classroom basis. This one was very different, it really revolutionized my program. Throughout the weekend, a group of about 20 teachers worked with Dave Wish, their Executive Director, learning new and exciting ways to educate our students and revitalize our music programs. The programs focus on contemporary music helped to supplement our traditional teaching programs and validated the hard work we already do in the classroom. At the end of the workshop, I received a set of 40 guitars for my program, some music software, and a book of curriculum. However, what we learned with Dave was the most important aspect of the workshop and I quickly became as involved as possible. Throughout the years, I have consistently become more a part of LKR. When the program expanded, I became one of the teacher trainers that make it possible for LKR to train more teachers in more cities. My students constantly got amazing opportunities to perform with some of their rock heros and legends. Any time I have ever needed anything to help my program, LKR is just a phone call away, and even though they have grown exponentially, I can always expect a quick response and a personal hello from the executive director. For the last six months, I have been helping LKR move to their next phase, incorporating more styles and instruments, expanding past the guitar curriculum to a full modern band manual or teaching. It has been exciting and really has made teaching fun for me and my students.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my classroom and in my own joy of teaching their materials. I went from having one guitar class of 30 students to teaching three guitar classes of 50 students each and a rock band class with 50 students.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
clone Dave Wish. More of him would be a good thing.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the constant support and encouragement. They are always their as a friend, trying to push me and my students to reach the next level
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
always helpful, friendly, fun, and knowledgeable.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
make a huge lasting impact on music education, reaching thousands more students and teachers a year. I know that their work has changed the lives of countless amounts of my own students for the better.
Ways to make it better...
there had been more teachers involved at the workshops, or more workshops to get involved with.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Reaching out to teachers that are not as pro-active after the workshop, and encouraging them to keep pushing the envelope!
One thing I'd also say is that...
The potential for growth in this program is amazing. I have witnessed it from almost the inception, and seen it skyrocket. With the proper resources and notoriety, it really has no bounds to what it can accomplish.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010