There are a lot of people talking about music education today. We all know that funding for the arts is under fire around the world. And ironically, it’s been proven time and again that kids who study music and the arts do better in school and life in general. But for some reason, our politicians continue to ignore this and cut funding. Today I’d like to share with you an opportunity to positively impact the school music education program and young musicians in your neighborhood.

I recently “adopted” the music students at our local high school by purchasing subscriptions to a music education magazine called In Tune Monthly for them. I did it because this unique monthly magazine brings the real world of music to kids. It enables them to learn about the challenges and opportunities in creating, recording and distributing music. I want to give them a head start, and I’m encouraging you to adopt a class of kids in your neighborhood as well.

Very few music teachers include songwriting in the classroom. Even fewer teach recording and the basics of the radio, publishing and touring businesses. But In Tune does. Adopting a school music program is something I can do to make sure that the kids in my neighborhood learn about copyrights, how a microphone works, or what an A&R person does. Thousands of teachers are starting to use this amazing magazine as a supplementary text, and for $9.95 per student, I know I’m making a difference.

I support In Tune because I believe in what they’re doing, and because I wish I’d had a formal training in the real world aspects of making music when I was a kid.

If you’re interested in adopting the music program at your local middle school or high school by providing subscriptions of In Tune Monthly, here’s what to do:

1. Speak with the band, orchestra or chorus director and ask if they’d like to distribute In Tune to their music students.
2. If they’re interested, get their shipping address and decide on the number of kids you’ll “adopt” (there’s a 30 student minimum at the $9.95 price, though other pricing and quantity options are available).
3. Go to www.intunemonthly.com and click on “Subscribe to In Tune.” Fill in the appropriate fields and submit your subscription order. (You can use a credit card or be billed later.)

Your music teacher will start receiving issues of In Tune in January or February and they’ll continue monthly through May 2006.

I very rarely endorse private entities, but this magazine is published by two longtime friends of mine and I know their hearts are in the right place. Broadjam has no financial interest in this venture and will not benefit financially from this. We’re simply trying to help the educators and the students who will benefit from this curriculum.

I just received an update from my friends at In Tune. They’ve heard great things from students and teachers and I’d like to share a few comments with you:

FROM A STUDENT:
My band director let me browse your magazine, and the education you guys presented has sparked an interest in my writing, producing, or singing. I am 16 years old.
Aleshia, GA

FROM A TEACHER:
Finally a music journal that targets our young musicians on their terms, in their language and with music and musicians whom they identify with today. We constantly see young musicians walk through our door who love music, want to play an instrument