LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 6, 2010 -- Music is one of many ways we can express ourselves. It starts at an early age. Many schools across the country are pulling their music programs because of a lack of funding. A study by the U.S. Department of Education shows that children with instrumental musical experience perform higher on standardized tests than students with no musical experience. A Columbia University study found that students in the arts are more cooperative with teachers and peers, more self-confident and better able to express their ideas.

"Alright With Music" is an initiative sponsored by a group of fans of singer-songwriter and American Idol winner Kris Allen. It's a spinoff of "Team Alright With Moo" which raised more than $25,000 for Heifer International last June in honor of Kris's 25th birthday. This holiday season we are inspired by Kris's spirit of giving and want to focus our attention on another one of his passions: music education programs. Kris has taught us about the important work done by the Music Empowers Foundation, which provides funding to non-profit organizations that offer innovative music programs in underserved areas.

Our goal is to raise at least $25,000 for Music Empowers from now until December 31st. But, we can't do it alone. And, we need you to help spread the word that we need donations. By doing so, we hope to encourage not only fans of Kris, but all who consider music education a necessity, not a luxury, to give to this worthwhile cause.

"Music Empowers Foundation is incredibly honored to be the beneficiary of the 'Alright with Music' holiday fundraiser being conducted by Kris's awesome fans in his honor.  Kris has become an amazing advocate for music education," says Music Empowers founder, Andy Davis. "This year, his support of organizations like Music Empowers has helped to bring music education programs to about 100,000 kids."

"I think that kids who want to be involved in music, keep doing it. I'm not saying that everyone is going to be a huge star or going to make millions of dollars being a musician. I think that's what a lot of people think you have to do to be successful in music," Kris says. "There are so many other ways that you can be successful and if you're doing the thing that you love then you're going to be happy with it. So, keep trying, keep doing it and keep getting better. If you love that stuff, it'll pay off in the end."