The Real School of Rock
By: Bill Leigh

(As appeared in the February 2004 issue of Bass Player Magazine, contributed by basssnake78)

Jason Newsted has worked with some demanding songwriters, but recently he had a whole new experience working with some tough customers. At Sausalito, California’s famed Plant recording studio on November 20, Newsted, who recently wrapped up a nine-month stint in Ozzy Osbourne’s band, laid down some rockin’ tracks written by elementary school students. Newsted joined a handful of top musicians who showed up to support Little Kids Rock, an innovative non-profit that teaches low-income kids to play music and compose their own original rock songs. The recording sessions at the Plant and New York’s Manhattan Center Studio -- Both of which are donating their services -- will culminate in a CD project entitled “Little Kids, Big Fans: Stars United for Music Education.”

“Our program is restoring music education in our public schools,” says David Wish, Executive Director and Founder of Little Kids Rock, which now supports 2,000 students in California, New York, New Jersey, and Tennessee. “We do this by providing children with free instruments and dedicated teachers. We also teach our kids who to write their own music. This is resonating with professional musicians and other folks in the music industry.” For more information on how you can support Little Kids Rock, visit www.littlekidsrock.org.

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