The Tunes program focuses on supporting and growing the next generation of musicians and artists while fostering an appreciation for the arts. Through the program, we raise funds to purchase new instruments which are donated to Title I public school music programs across the country. These instrument donations are presented by nationally touring bands (Tunes Ambassadors) who perform for students, lead music workshops and allow kids the opportunity to learn from successful touring musicians.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 identified arts education as a "core academic subject". However, funding for public school music programs continues to decrease, leaving passionate teachers frustrated with sub-par equipment and lack of quality instruments to teach their students. The result is that fewer and fewer students at Title 1 schools have access to quality music education and the associated long-term benefits.
TUNES program not only provides new instruments and equipment to public school music programs in need, it also allows students access to professional musicians. Our unique model enlists the help of our nationally touring Tunes Ambassadors and pairs them with Title 1 schools. By working directly with the individual schools, Can'd Aid is able to provide exactly what is needed in terms of instruments, and our Tunes Ambassadors provide hands-on music workshops, live performances and one-on-one time.
On the highest level, the Tunes Program helps to grow the next generation of musicians and music lovers. The long-term benefits of music education include increased brain function, accelerated language development, higher IQs, improved test scores and is a particularly effective therapy for at-risk youth. We believe that providing this programming can broaden horizons, allow for personal expression, increased self-confidence and be the catalyst for a child to follow their passion.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).