Music Matters In Schools! is a program dedicated to enhancing the music education experience of students who attend public schools throughout the U.S. 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.

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 enhance the music program at one inner city middle school in Atlanta, GA, Music Matters created “Music Matters In Schools!”, a 501(c)(3) organization. With the support of donations, the Atlanta Partner in Education and the Small Business Administration of Atlanta, Music Matters is able to provide free guitar rental and free instruction to middle school students in this first of its kind pilot program in the Atlanta Public School System.

Students meet three times a week for one hour sessions and are allowed to take their instruments home as practice and preparation for class is strongly encouraged. Class curriculum covers such topics as:

• Introduction to guitar and guitar functions
• Sight reading
• Open chord forms
• Rhythm and strumming patterns
• Common chord progressions
• Performance of songs