As a former teacher, I wholeheartedly support education and our country's public school system.  Unfortunately, due to an increased emphasis on standardized tests and a constantly decreasing amount of funding, many school districts nationwide are cutting music and art programs from the curriculum.

This state of affairs saddens me greatly for I've always found a terrific sense of enjoyment and accomplishment from playing music.  Some of my fondest school memories come from the eight years I played saxophone in our school's band.  I can't imagine that I would be the same person I am today if I never had the chance to participate in our school's music program.

If you'd like a way to support music education, SlickSugar has a stylish and hip way to get on board.  They've created a special edition children's tee whose proceeds keep the music alive in underfunded public school classrooms.  Keep reading to learn more!

The SlickSugar "Keep the Music Alive" Tee is a great way for parents to teach their children how to look good AND how to DO GOOD.  A portion of the proceeds from this special edition tee will be donated to Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit organization providing free musical instruments and instruction for public school students who have been left behind due to budget cuts.

The adorable "Keep the Music Alive" tee, for both boys and girls, features a guitar and a little birdie singing around the words "keep the music alive".  The special edition top, in sizes 6 months to 5/6, makes an important fashion statement and a social statement to fund public school music lessons, classes and instruments.

Founded in San Francisco in 2002, the Little Kids Rock charity was started by an elementary school teacher who was frustrated at the lack of music funding in his own school.

Today, Little Kids Rock is one of the leading nonprofit providers of free lessons and free instruments to underprivileged children in public schools in 25 cities numbering an astounding 160,000 students.  Bonnie Raitt, Slash, Paul Simon, B.B. King and Ziggy Marley are among the charity’s famous friends and supporters.

One reason Little Kids Rock is so successful is that once teachers are trained in the foundation’s philosophy and techniques, a new local program can be up and running quickly.  There is absolutely no cost to the school.

Little Kids Rock builds on the expertise and skills of music teachers and gives schools the flexibility to offer classes within the school day or as after-school enrichment.  As the foundation proudly proclaims, "all instruments are donated so every child has the chance to learn, play and rock out".

I loved the SlickSugar "Keep the Music Alive" Tee for it was well-made and super soft and comfy.  As soon as Riley saw it, she wanted to put it on for she really liked the guitar and singing birdie on the front.  I thought the design was very "Woodstock-esque" and have to admit that I would have gladly worn this tee too if it came in adult sizes.  (Hint, hint SlickSugar!)

Of course, I also like that the sale of this tee will help another child across the country develop a lifelong love of music thanks to the Little Kids Rock charity.  This also gives me the perfect chance to show my daughter how we as consumers can make a difference by choosing to purchase products which align with our own personal beliefs.  The SlickSugar "Keep the Music Alive" tee is a win-win for everyone involved...and it looks super cute too!