Music Matters, Inc. "Rocks" Inner City Atlanta Middle School

Music Matters, Inc. volunteers to fill a void in the music department at Parks Middle School

Music education as part of standard curriculum in today’s school systems is becoming a thing of the past, denying children the educational benefits and personal expression associated with learning to play an instrument and read music. In an effort to revive the music program at one inner city middle school in Atlanta, GA, Music Matters Inc., of Roswell, GA created Music Matters at Parks Middle School. With the support of the Atlanta Partners in Education and the Small Business Administration of Atlanta, Music Matters is able to provide free guitar rental and free instruction to 12 middle school students in this first-of-its kind pilot program in the Atlanta Public School System.

Research proves that students who play music score better on their SATs and have an increased self esteem compared to children who do not participate in music programs. In addition to the scientific benefits of music, fusing the cultural and musical styles of hip-hop, R&B, and Blues the students at Parks Middle School are accustomed to, with guitar instruction allows for expression and creativity on the students’ part. Students meet three times a week for one hour and are allowed to take their instruments home as they are strongly encouraged to practice and take the music classes seriously. Class curriculum covers topics such as components of the guitar and its functions, sight reading, open chord forms, rhythm and strumming patterns, chord progressions and performance of songs. The semester long class will conclude on May 18th with a performance by the students who attended the class. The performance will take place at the Parks Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia.

Music Matters, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Aaron Soriero to provide an environment where children can learn, play, create and record their own music. Since its opening, Music Matters has expanded to include a music day camp and www.musicmatters101.com, an e-commerce retailer and online education resource for musicians of all ages.

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For more information about this program, or to schedule an interview, please contact Jeff Tarae at 770.650.6550 or email him at jtarae@musicmatters101.com

Contact Information

Jeff Tarae

President

Music Matters, Inc.

Contact via E-mail