Dave Wish of Little Kids Rock Discusses the Benefits of Music Education

In 2008, I conducted a series of interviews with music educators, professionals, musicians, and advocates articulating the universal benefits of music education and participation. One of the most memorable of those discussions was with Dave Wish, founder and Executive Director of the non-profit, “Little Kids Rock.” LKR provides musical instruments and instruction to at-risk kids and teachers.

Great points made by Dave that should be staples of any music enthusiast’s/advocate’s discussions!

Bernie Williams “Take Me Out To the Ball Game”

As we’ve mentioned here previously, music and sports are often seen as opposing forces in the world of education, as budget cuts force administrators to choose where dollars should be allocated. Here’s someone who has seen the benefits of both activities, musician and former New York Yankees Centerfielder Bernie Williams.

According to an article at NY Daily News, at a recent function of the non-profit Little Kids Rock, one little girl asked the ex-centerfielder what he liked better, baseball or music.

“Tough question,” responded Williams. “Baseball was my job and a lot of fun, but music was always in my life. And you know what? The older I got, the more I realized I wanted to be a musician when I grew up. .. . I think I have to give the edge to music a little.”

Here’s Bernie’s poignant rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

The Amazing Work of Little Kids Rock

The amazing work of the non-profit “Little Kids Rock” and founder Dave Wish. They recently reached the 50,000 mark in terms of the number of kids they have reached with music. I love their focus on music as a vehicle of self-expression.

Little Kids Rock – Free Resources

Little Kids Rock is a wonderful non-profit organization that provides resources to allow teachers in low-income schools to bring music into the classroom where the void would exist otherwise. Not only do they provide instruments and instruction plans – they also make those instructional resources available online for all to use.

For more info, visit http://www.littlekidsrock.tv/

To hear my interview with Dave Wish, Little Kids Rock’s Executive Director, click here.

Dave Wish of Little Kids Rock

If everyone had the passion for music education that Dave Wish had, music would be accesible to all children. As Executive Director of Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization reaching more than 20,000 kids in low-income schools, Dave is a great example of how one person with conviction cane make a difference. Listen to my interview with Dave:   Dave Wish Interview