Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Rock to the Future Brings Rock Music Ed into Kensington Classrooms

In addition to its afterschool program, Rock to the Future provides two in-school electric guitar classes in two schools in Kensington, something not a lot of other schools get to experience, through its MobileMusic program.

Jessica Craft (recently featured in Billy Penn’s Who’s Next in Giving) created Rock to the Future five years ago because she wanted to give youth a chance to be creative.

“Music education is expensive and most families and schools can't afford comprehensive music education,” Craft says. “There are a lot of benefits to music education including positive effects on academics and social life, plus contemporary music education is exciting and hip which draws kids in. “

One of Rock to the Future’s main programs is its after school program, MusiCore, where the same students come day after day to the program. This allows Craft and the Rock to the Future team to see the long term impact the program has on students’ music, schooling and their lives.

“Many kids don't have supervision or a positive place to go after school so it's easier for them to get into trouble,” says Craft. “We give kids a place to be creative and grow in a positive environment so they keep coming back to learn. All of our after school students have graduated high school and gone onto college - it's incredible. “

In addition to its afterschool program, Rock to the Future provides two in-school electric guitar classes in two schools in Kensington, something not a lot of other schools get to experience, through its MobileMusic program.

“Many schools have a general music teacher but not instrumental instruction because of the cost - and almost never on electric guitar,” Craft says. “We provide students with a chance to learn guitar, read music, and write their own songs. Electric guitar is awesome and kids are excited to plug into an amp and perform for their peers! We provide this program at no-cost to the schools.”

While Rock to the Future’s MobileMusic no-cost workshops are currently full, schools and even organizations can sign up for their waiting list for contemporary music programming when funding becomes available. Or, if the organization or school has any type of budget for programming, Craft says they can usually start working with them right away to provide programming. Schools can apply at Rocktothefuturephilly.org.

Right now, Rock to the Future is seeking volunteers for its after school program to help with music, homework, and mentoring youth. It will have an information session on September 16 for those who want to learn more and see their site - RSVP here: http://donate.rocktothefuturephilly.org/campaigns/1163-musicore-after-school-program-2015-16-volunteer-orientation

In addition to its afterschool program, Rock to the Future provides two in-school electric guitar classes in two schools in Kensington, something not a lot of other schools get to experience, through its MobileMusic program.