He strikes a chord with little rockers in New York

"That movie takes place in an exclusive private school, and Jack Black is a musician, not an educator," Wish explains. "It's hardly the same."

Wish used to be what he calls a "gigging musician," but there's no longer time for that. In addition to running the day-to-day business of his nonprofit, he continues to recruit and train new teachers, who, like him, are educators with a passion for playing music and making it come alive for others. Wish also insists on keeping up with his own teaching schedule of two classes per week.

For Wish and the other teachers, Little Kids Rock is a labor of love.

"The majority of teachers are volunteers," he says. "Those who are paid only get a small stipend." Then he adds with a laugh: "This year, for the first time, I have actually [earned] a salary. But still, I'm not even making equal to what I was making as one of the most grossly underpaid teacher in the nation."

But that's OK, Wish insists.

"Like any start-up, it takes time. Besides," he adds, "I care so deeply about this program. So often the only kids who can take instrument lessons are those who have the means. Little Kids Rock is changing that."

Wish isn't trying to cultivate a new generation of rock stars. Indeed, an informal poll taken after class doesn't turn up any Christina Aguillera wannabes. But several say they want to play guitar "forever."

"For music lessons to stick," Wish explains, "students have to like at least one of these three: the instrument, teacher, or canon."

Smiling, he adds: "At least these kids can say they liked the canon."

But beyond that, he says, the skills they are learning will translate into other areas of their lives.

"The common perception is that music is fun, and therefore frivolous. So it gets axed. This is a grave mistake. By participating in music, kids make gains in math, they become more creative, better problem-solvers, and more socially adept.

For disadvantaged kids, Wish adds, learning to play music can be especially important. It could be their ticket out of tough circumstances, a refuge from the difficulties of everyday life, or a protection from negative influences.

"Once you put someone in touch with their creativity," he says, "the cheap thrill of destructive behavior becomes less appealing. There's no competition between reaching new heights of creative expression versus breaking a window with a baseball or spraying graffiti."

• 'Little Kids Rock' has created three CDs. The next recording project is 'Little Kids, Big Fans,' a CD featuring the children's compositions performed by celebrity musicians. It is slated to be released in late 2004. For more information, visit www.littlekidsrock.org.

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