Fender and the California State PTA Join National Initiative to Help Grow Music Programs in Schools

AMC partner SupportMusic recently formed alliances with Fender Musical Instrument Corporation and the California State PTA to create a powerful voice for change to ensure that music and arts education are among the essential educational tools to leave no child behind.

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is the first manufacturer to join SupportMusic, a national music education advocacy initiative formed by NAMM, the International Music Products Association, and MENC, the National Association for Music Education.

The Fender Education Program, which provides music and instruments to thousands of students throughout the country, was founded by Chairman & CEO Bill Schultz in 2002, and is headed by Fender’s Director of Education Bob Morris.

In 1996 Morris, a Las Vegas public school teacher, decided to teach guitar to his class. The students’ responses were enthusiastic and Morris soon expanded the program throughout Nevada’s Clark County, reaching some 40 schools in three years. The program trained teachers to incorporate guitar instruction into their classrooms and provided students with music education at a low cost.

The program took off and Fender became involved by supporting the purchase of entry-level guitars. Eventually the manufacturer hired Morris to work full-time on this successful program, handling national outreach from Fender’s headquarters in Scottsdale.

The California Parent Teacher Association (PTA), with more than one million members, is leading the charge to bring the arts back into schools and back into the lives of California kids. The collaboration with SupportMusic will give parents and educators access to research and lobbying strength that could make the difference in a child’s education.

“The PTA wants parents in every school in California to fight for high-quality arts education for every child,” said Carla Niño, president of the California State PTA. “Studies show that arts instruction improves academic success. We look forward to working with SupportMusic to create real education reform.”

Recently, the California State PTA created “SMARTS: Bring Back the Arts,” an awareness program that fosters arts education advocates in every district and in every school. The SMARTS program gives parents vital information on how to contact their legislative representatives, find community and advocacy resources, and even encourage the arts at home.