Jim Dailey and John Rutherford grew up a few blocks apart on the same street and together attended St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic School, situated on the Detroit-Grosse Pointe border. In addition to being CYO sports and Little League baseball teammates, they began their instrumental musical educations in the fourth grade at St. Clare.
Throughout the years, Jim, his wife Elizabeth, and John had many discussions about the current state of musical education in local schools. Because of these conversations, they decided to form a non-profit organization, Rock City Music Foundation, devoted to promoting musical education, and based in the City of Detroit, home to Motown and the heart of Rock ‘n Roll.
While Jim and Elizabeth don’t possess exemplary musical talent themselves, they have a passion for music and the arts. Their nephew Conor, an aspiring tuba player currently studying at The Interlochen Arts Academy in Traverse City was theirs and John’s inspiration to create The Rock City Music Foundation. John had come to know Conor as his tuba instructor and continues to mentor him while he is at Interlochen.
Providing lessons to learn and scholarships to succeed!
The Rock City Music Foundation focuses on music education and outreach in Michigan, with emphasis on the Metro Detroit area. The RCMF actively fundraises to implement music programs where there are none, field trips, lessons and instruments for those unable to afford, and talent scholarships for young musicians to use towards lessons, school, and summer music camp.