Watch this report Wednesday on TMJ4 News at 10 p.m.

MILWAUKEE — In our Two Americas series, we look at different sides of our country — the America you may know and the America you may not. This time we focus on a different way to get kids interested in learning and helping them build their self-esteem.

A Milwaukee artist is doing just that, offering a free one-day music camp this summer.

Alongside 11-year-old Damon McCoy is his mentor Chris Crain. Damon says they met at Crain’s music camp last year and learned a lot. “How you practice is how you perform,” Damon said.

Crain hopes Damon is one of at least 50 kids who will come to this year’s music camp that he is organizing.

The Milwaukee artist has released 10 albums and is performing nationwide this summer. He still takes the time to give back. “Music changed my life and it’s what gave me confidence. It helped me get through the day,” Crain said.

Crain also wants to give this thing to the kids of Milwaukee. Studies show that it makes a huge difference. In fact, a study by the National Association for Music Education shows that students do better in school when music programs are available. The study indicates that schools offering music programs have an estimated graduation rate of 90.2% compared to schools without music instruction, which is around 72.9%.

Up to 50 children and teens can enroll in the one-day program next month. Crain says none of them will have to pay a dime. “I don’t think kids should have to pay for opportunities for something that could change their lives,” Crain said.

This includes learning to perform on stage, to write music, and to play musical instruments.

Damon can’t wait for you to join him for year two of camp. “To meet new people, to meet people who have the same passion for music as me,” he said.

The one-day Music Camp is taking place Saturday, July 9 in Milwaukee for children ages 6-16. Click here to find out more.

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