7 years ago Notes for Notes was cofounded by Phil Gilley with the idea of giving kids free access to musical expression. With the assistance of Rod Hare (Santa Barbara Bowl Board Member and Education Outreach Committee Member) and a room full of gear Notes for Notes was created. 

Leveraging some serious talent in the “industry” Notes for Notes has grown exceptionally since 2007. Some artists that have worked with at Notes for Notes include Jack White & Jack Johnson. Not only do teenagers and kids get the opportunity to work in a real music studio, they also get the chance to directly work with the artists, bands, sound engineers, tour managers, etc. Gilley recently explained to the Independent, “It’s still in the works, but we’ve been working closely with the band Capital Cities. We did a project this past summer at Bonnaroo, where we actually brought a mobile recording studio down to the festival. We had produced half a dozen songs in the [MusicBox] studios, which featured the kids, then we went on-site and started reaching out to artists to come in and lay something down on these tracks. Our goal over time is to actually sell a track, with all the proceeds being split between Notes for Notes and a scholarship fund for the kids on that track.”

Notes for Notes annual fundraiser featuring Joe Bonamassa, Jimmy Vivino of the Basic Cable Band, and special guests on TONIGHT, October 24, 7 p.m., at the Lobero Theatre, with a VIP pre-party at 5:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call (805) 966-4946 or visit lobero.com. 

Check out the Independent’s write up here.