Highlights of our Benefit Concert with special performances by

James Durbin and Orianthi!

“If it weren’t for music scholarships I wouldn’t have been able to learn what I know now.  So when I got the call to do the Rock School Scholarship Fund, I jumped on the opportunity.  I play music because it’s what I love to do and every single kid that I met at that event, had that same fire.  The kids are just simply amazing!  Singers, guitarists, drummers, bassists, keyboards, they have it all!!  I’m so happy I got to do this with the kids because it reminds me to have fun.  It’s easy to lose track in this business, but playing with those kids brought my fire back.  The fire that made me want to be a singer in the 1st place.  A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to the RSSF, the teachers, all the kids and to anyone and everyone who supports this great cause.  Thanks for letting me be a part of it!!  You Rock!!!”  - James Durbin

“I had so much fun jamming out with the kids.  They are all so talented and sweet.  I knew from when I was 6 that music would be my life, and I used to spend most of my time in the music room.  It’s sad to hear that music programs are often removed from public schools, so it meant a lot to be a part of the Rock School Scholarship Fund show.”   - Orianthi

With music programs in schools being cut back, many kids who have a passion for learning to play music either have to learn via YouTube, or pay for an after school program.   But not everyone has parents who can afford an extra $200 – $350 per month for rock school.

What do kids get from being in a rock school, and performing “classic rock” on stage?  The Real School of Music, one of our partner schools in Boston, compiled a list of Ways Children Benefit From Music.  But beyond that, what I see is that these kids gain an immense amount of confidence and self-esteem.

Research shows that self-esteem and confidence in children leads to successful, fulfilled lives.  In addition, because our scholarship students attend these schools with children whose parents are financially better off than they are, it can be a very expanding experience for them.   Together, these factors can be profound.

Help Kids Rock!  

We are a relatively young program – the IRS approved our 501(c)3 status in August of 2010, and we had our first fundraiser in September 2010 with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics as our special guest performer.  But in that short time, I have personally seen our scholarship students undergo incredible metamorphoses.   One student went from being a kid of color who felt out of place in a mostly white school, who would try to be a clown and make kids like him, to becoming one of the most admired musicians there, and part of the honored house band.  At 14 years old and 6’7” he could not help but stand out.  His weight skyrocketed  to 240 lbs. as he struggled with his confidence.  But just a few months later, he’s slimmed down, he’s hanging with newfound friends, and he’s one of the school’s most accomplished students.

Another scholarship student who has Autism, fell into a deep depression and his grades plunged when his mother lost her job and could no longer afford his after-school music lessons.  They found the RSSF and he now has a 3.6 GPA, bandmates, a social life, and a potential future career in the music industry.  For parents of children with Autism, the idea that their child will one day be a self-sufficient adult with a career is huge.  We are humbled to be able to assist with that.

We want to help kids rock.  $5,000 sponsors at least one child for one year.  Please click below to donate!

Kind regards,

Wendy Winks

Co-Founder, Executive Director

“As a band we believe music tuition should be available to anyone who wants it. It greatly benefits the individual, which in turn benefits the country.”     Bono

“Music is the universal language. It has the ability to transcend and convey every human emotion that exists without saying a word. Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me. Music education and families are dealing with the economic times, and I wanted to help them. If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that’s a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others….”   Eddie Van Halen

*   *   *  *  *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

Special Thanks to the following for our “new look!”

Fundraiser video:  Full Eclipse Media Group

Grpahic Design: Barbara Boros and Gina Liu

Website: http://www.bigideagroupnyc.com – Ed O’Callaghan

Photography:   Jody Delli Santi, and Sarvey Tahmasebi Rector

And of course a big thank you to Dave Stewart & the School of Rock Hollywood All Stars who performed at our inaugural fundraiser on September 12, 2010, and to AnQi Bistro and ONE LLP for hosting it!