For Flea, bass player with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, music education saves lives. He knows firsthand, and that is why he founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles in 2001 and why he continues to advocate for adequate federal funding to nourish music education.

"When I was a kid, I was heading for trouble. I was running around in the street, I was robbing, I was breaking into houses, I was doing drugs. I was cutting class and smoking weed," Flea told Rolling Stone. "The one thing that kept me together and kept me straight was music. The only reason I even went to school was because I liked playing in the band."

The conservatory will host its annual fundraising concert on Sept. 9, with guest performers including GRAMMY winner Randy Newman and GRAMMY nominated drummer Anderson .Paak, along with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Silverlake's own children's choir.

This year's effort marks a proud day for the conservatory's community of supporters as it will double as a showcase of sorts.

"It has 12 private-lesson rooms, 4 classrooms, a big performance space, and we have about 800 kids that come through," said Flea. "Everyone that comes will be able to see the school, get a feel for what's going on and be a part of it."

More Music Education: How The Arts Came Out Ahead In The House Budget