SONY EXPANDS "BEYOND THE INSTRUMENT"

Sony Music Group's annual "Beyond the Instrument" initiative will present academic activations in the U.S. and U.K. throughout the month of February. The kickoff event is in L.A.

Sony Music will work with nonprofit partners Notes for Notes and Fender Play Foundation to bring music education to students through programs that put instruments and learning tools in the classroom.

On Wednesday (2/1), "Beyond the Instrument" will be launched in L.A. at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles–Watts-Willowbrook Clubhouse; youth members will participate in a discussion with Sony artists KayCyy, DIXSON, Adam Lukas and James Everingham about musical aspirations.

With the support of SMG, Notes for Notes will open its largest recording studio in L.A. at the clubhouse, providing members with year-round free access to explore, create and record music. The kids will enjoy the use of guitars, drums, keyboards/ synthesizers and DJ and production gear, as well as headphones and microphones donated by Sony Electronics. A producer will be on hand to help them develop their skills.

Said SMG EVP, Philanthropy and Social Impact Towalame Austin, "It’s a privilege to continue Sony Music Group’s Beyond the Instrument program this year and to partner with first-class community partners, artists and songwriters to inspire and enhance music-education programs. Developing opportunities to support under-resourced communities—now to also include the U.K.—is part of the company’s overall global giving strategy, and I look forward to seeing what these students create in the future and on their paths to becoming incredible music professionals.”

The U.K. component opens in southeast London on 2/9 at Harris Academy Greenwich. Cat Burns will meet with students to discuss her career. Fender Play Foundation will thereafter provide educational workshops and music and sound equipment to participating students and teachers.