School of Rock announced today the launch of the School of Rock Scholar Program in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). The program will provide access to School of Rock's performance-based music education program, live events, exhibits, and other opportunities for qualifying students in underserved communities at no cost. Applications will be open from Oct. 1 through Dec. 1, with accepted students beginning the music program in January 2023.
"The School of Rock Scholar Program is an additional step towards greater diversity in our schools, and we can't wait to see how more lives are transformed through the power of music." - Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock
The Scholar Program is valued at $1,500 per season, covering 1-on-1 lessons in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards or vocals and group performance programs at participating School of Rock locations. Access to instruments and practice space will be provided to Scholar Program students. Students will also have access to exclusive experiences at NMAAM, including live events, exhibits and other opportunities.
"School of Rock is proud to partner with the National Museum of African American Music to provide students of all backgrounds and economic circumstances an opportunity to learn music," said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. "We're passionate about enriching lives through music education and this partnership with NMAAM offers even more children in our communities that experience. The School of Rock Scholar Program is an additional step towards greater diversity in our schools, and we can't wait to see how more lives are transformed through the power of music."
Family financial status is taken into consideration with preference given to students who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), or have disabilities. Other factors in consideration include ability, passion, and musical potential. Students must be between the ages of 9-13 and newly enrolling at the time of applying. Applicants must be able to participate in both weekly 1-on-1 lessons and group performance program rehearsals at the time of enrollment.
"I am thrilled for this partnership with School of Rock," said Tamar Smithers, Senior Director of Education at the National Museum of African American Music. "It will allow us to collectively impact and transform the lives of underserved and underrepresented students across the country, while also creating more diverse and equitable learning opportunities for current School of Rock staff, students, and families."
In October, students in the areas of Nashville, Tennessee, Red Bank, New Jersey, Watertown, Massachusetts, and Chicago, Illinois can submit an application for the School of Rock Scholar Program. A parent or guardian and student must complete the application, which includes questions about federal benefits and yearly household income and requires a written statement from the student. While the Scholar Program will initially debut in the foregoing cities, it will soon be rolled out to the rest of School of Rock's extensive network of school locations.
"I am thrilled for this partnership with School of Rock." - Tamar Smithers, Senior Director of Education at the National Museum of African American Music
About the National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music. Based in Nashville, Tenn., the museum shares the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to honor the musical heroes of African American music of the past and the present.
For more information, please visit www.blackmusicmuseum.org. You can also follow the National Museum of African American Music on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and see all their latest videos on YouTube.