Rock to the Future’s End of Year Celebration in 2024 (Credit: Daniel Lord)
Studies continue to show the importance of music education for youth development
Music education has always been an important part of youth development. Studies continue to show that not only does it improve cognitive function and creativity, it also gives students a more positive sense of wellbeing.
In one study conducted by the University of Southern California, researchers found that students who started music education before age 8 were more hopeful about the future and scored higher in measures of positive youth development.
Daniel Lord, director of operations with Rock to the Future in Philadelphia, sees the impact music programs on young people firsthand. He has been with the nonprofit organization since 2021.
Lord spoke to Access Network about the mission and services of Rock to the Future, and how community members can get involved.
He explained, “Rock to the Future supports positive youth development and economic empowerment through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth. Through music, our students build skills to unlock their fullest potential to support lifelong well-being. We serve hundreds of students annually in-school, after school, and during the summer in schools, community locations, and juvenile justice facilities.”
Rock to the Future works with a number of partner locations throughout the city, including Kensington High School, Roosevelt Elementary + Middle School, One Art Community Center, NOMO North and South, As I Plant This Seed, the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, and more.
The most satisfying part of his work with the organization, Lord said is “seeing the young people we work with developing skills and thriving both on and off stage.”
He added, “Being involved in our programs helps the young people we serve build up skills that are going to help them throughout their life. When I was young, music was crucial to me, and so now it is important that I pass on that access to the next generation.”
Recently Rock to the Future opened a Music Room at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Center complete with a music studio for students to record their own music in.
On the roadblocks they face in fulfilling their mission, Lord said, “We've realized that in order to truly support our students we need a holistic approach to our programs, that encompasses more than just music education and takes into consideration other aspects of our students' lives. We've begun building a network of community resources, but it is a daunting task that requires collaboration from organizations throughout the city.”
Lord said that support from the community is important to their mission and there are many ways to get involved.
Here are just a few:
1) Come out to an event and support the students. Rock the Future hosts a Quarterly Youth Led Open Mic Night at One Art Community Center, and they have a Year End Showcase coming up in June at World Cafe Live. You can find all their events here.
2) Donate to their programs, either through an one- time gift or by becoming one of their bandmates here. They also accept instrument donations, so if you have a piece of gear gathering dust in your basement and want to get it into the hands of Philadelphia youth, reach out.
3) Volunteer at programs and events. They are always looking for volunteers who can provide academic, music, and mentoring support.
Lord said, “Young people in Philadelphia rock! It's amazing to see what the students are doing, and we are excited to share it with the world!”
Learn more about the important work that Rock to the Future is doing at rocktothefuture.org.
