“Music and reading are a powerhouse combo.”

M.A. Rosko, Fox 9 News

We have helped thousands of children make phenomenal progress in reading.

First 6 years

“If kids can’t read, they can’t succeed.” This simple statement drove Bill Jones and Ann Kay to launch the Rock ‘n’ Read Project in 2014. Bill converted a retired city bus into a mobile reading lab. Outfitted with 32 computers and a singing-based software program, Tune into Reading (TiR), the bus proved to be unique solution for struggling readers. That summer, Bill drove the bus to a Minneapolis Public summer school and a YMCA where groups of children came on to sing and read every half hour. It was very fun and highly motivating. Children who sang with the program for at least 10 hours gained 1/2 year (avg.) in reading…in the summer…on a bus!

The MN Legislature awarded Rock ‘n’ Read $600,000 in grants to run a 5-year project that successfully implemented TiR with 2500 students in 25 elementary schools in MN. Students gained 1 year (avg.) in reading after 14 hours of usage.

Although Rock ‘n’ Read Project no longer uses TiR, it is available from the company TUNE into READING.

Since 2021

Rock ‘n’ Read now helps to prepare young children’s brains for reading from prenatal on. Our strategies and workshops are based on current brain research and evidence that singing and basic music skills work!