The leaders among us
A Little Revolutionary
Music for all
Ryan Zellner '96 has a bold vision. He wants every K–12 student, in every community across the country, to experience meaningful music-making during his or her school years. Zellner earned a Moravian College bachelor of music degree with an emphasis in education in 1996, then went on to complete several graduate degrees, including a PhD in educational psychology. He blends all of this passion and expertise in his role as national program director of Little Kids Rock.
What is Little Kids Rock?
It’s a national nonprofit music education organization aimed at restoring, expanding, and innovating school music programs around the country. Music has the power to transform lives, and we believe everyone should participate in music, regardless of zip code. Little Kids Rock currently serves more than 650,000 students in 47 states, with the majority of our programs in high-need areas. We offer a new stream of music education called Modern Band. Kids learn to perform, compose, write songs, and improvise in popular genres—rock, pop, hip-hop, and other contemporary styles.
How did you come to join Little Kids Rock?
After teaching for 14 years, I realized that the school music education system works well but serves only a small percentage of children. If we believe music education is important, the professional community must take steps to ensure that culturally responsive, student-centered music is available in all schools. I was offered the opportunity to work for Little Kids Rock, meaning that I could help teachers make an impact on a national scale.
What impact does Little Kids Rock have?
By validating and leveraging the cultural capital of our youth, Modern Band helps form stronger bonds among students, their schools, and communities, and it engages marginalized students who might not take part in existing music programs. Studies strongly suggest that participating in music—not just listening to it—improves academic performance as well as social and emotional skills.
Tell us about your Moravian College experience.
I have degrees from multiple universities, and I have been on dozens of college campuses. What Moravian offers above all else is extraordinary people. The faculty and staff truly cared about me as a person, not seeing me as just another filled seat in a classroom. Because they believed in me, I began to believe in myself. Without this, I wouldn’t be where I am today—trying to change the world.
Learn more about Little Kids Rock at littlekidsrock.org.