The "frequently shirtless, frenetic bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers," has funded a music program in LA to help fill the void in music education left by state and federal budget cuts to music education programs. It is, unfortunately, an increasingly common gesture—Macy Gray and the Black Eyed Peas have also stepped up to the plate.
I say "unfortunately" because too many municipalities are abandoning sponsorship of such programs. I believe that music and arts programs are as vital to our youth as math, science, and the humanities. It is commonly accepted that team sports teach character and cooperation, but that's even more true of learning to play in a band or orchestra.
