American Express and Blue Team Up to Support Music Education in American Public Schools

American Express, in partnership with Blue from American Express, has launched Blue for Music, a series of events and programs aimed at raising $1 million to support music education in America's public schools. This initiative builds upon the company's previous efforts, having raised over $1 million in 2003 for the same cause. The campaign includes a series of intimate concerts in Los Angeles, public service announcement (PSA)-style television ads starring artists Sting and Sheryl Crow, and exclusive offers for American Express Cardmembers.

Key Takeaways:

• American Express and Blue from American Express are teaming up to raise $1 million to support music education programs in America's public schools through Blue for Music.
• The initiative features a series of fundraising and awareness-building activities, including intimate concerts in Los Angeles and PSA-style television ads starring Sting and Sheryl Crow.
• In 2003, American Express raised over $1 million for public school music programs, highlighting the need for ongoing support.
• Studies have shown that students involved in music perform better in standardized tests, have improved spatial abilities, and are more likely to stay in school and go to college.
• Blue for Music will contribute funds raised through its activities, including the Blue Jam Sessions in L.A., to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring music programs in public schools.
• The VH1 Save The Music Foundation has restored music programs in 1,000 public schools in 80 cities, placing instruments in the hands of 500,000 children since its inception in 1997.

Statistics:

• American Express aims to raise $1 million through Blue for Music to support music education programs in America's public schools.
• In 2003, American Express raised over $1 million for public school music programs.
• 1,000 public schools in 80 cities across the country have had their music programs restored by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation since its inception in 1997.
• 500,000 children have benefited from the VH1 Save The Music Foundation's efforts to restore music programs in public schools.

Sources:

• PR Newswire, "Top Musical Artists and Blue from American Express Team Up to Restore Music Education in America's Public Schools" (no date provided)
• American Express, "Blue for Music"
• VH1 Save The Music Foundation, (no date provided)
• Recording Academy, (no date provided)