July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Westside Neighborhood School Introduces Little Kids Rock Program:

Westside Neighborhood School has introduced the Little Kids Rock program into its elementary music curriculum to help revitalize music in the classrooms by providing an innovative program for teachers that includes free music lessons “aimed to engage and excite young students.” 

The Little Kids Rock method of teaching is progressive, involving immersion techniques similar to learning a language. 

Through the program, students are encouraged to learn by playing instruments and getting a truly hands-on experience. 

Thanks to generous funding from WNS families for new child-sized acoustic guitars, what started out as a dream for Westside Neighborhood School music teacher Paul Cummings, is now a reality.

At WNS, the Little Kids Rock program will be taught to fourth grade students.

Though the students will start out learning on the new acoustic guitars, “the Little Kids rock program encompasses more than just guitars. We will study keyboards in our computer lab, students will gain some familiarity with our digital drum set, and some students will play bass,” says Cummings. 

Cummings is particularly eager to see what students will start creating as they become more familiar with the instruments. 

“Once the students learn some chords, a part of their practice will include making up their own patterns and songs,” he said. “We will be studying some classic pop songs, a few folk songs, and even a couple of songs you might hear on the radio.”

Head of School Brad Zacuto said he was excited about this new addition to the curriculum. 

“We are thrilled to add this new program to our elementary music curriculum,” Zacuto said. “The style of learning that Little Kids Rock promotes blends perfectly with our active learning philosophy at WNS as well as our emphasis on the arts in our curriculum.”

With the Little Kids Rock program being implemented, students, parents, and faculty are excited about the potential this brings to all WNS students. 

It will allow students more opportunities to compose and showcase their creativity in new and unique ways.

Westside Neighborhood School is located at 5401 Beethoven Street, Los Angeles, CA 90066.

For more information, visit www.wnsk8.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...