LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Rock icon Art Alexakis, GRAMMY-nominated lead singer, guitarist and songwriter from Everclear, announced  at the recent NAMM Show that he will be inspiring the next generation of musicians in Los Angeles as the new Songwriting Program Chair of the new Los Angeles College of Music (formerly LAMA). Alexakis was on hand all day on Wednesday, January 22^nd at the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus writing an original song with five LACM students, which was turned into a music video and debuted on stage during the Lennon Bus' annual Imagine Party on Friday, January 24^th at 6:00pm. Please view video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJzGZTakrhA

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140128/MN53393)

NAMM is also where the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA) officially unveiled its new name, the Los Angeles College of Music (LACM), to reflect its greater offerings to LA youth and to students all over the world. LACM students will have access to a new Bachelor's Program and new online courses, as well as continued access to top-tier artists like Alexakis and other GRAMMY-nominated musicians.

Alexakis and five LACM students -- Till Richter, a 20 year-old drummer from Germany, Theresa Young, a 20 year-old singer/songwriter from Portland, Oregon, Alessandro Cavazza, a 21 year-old Singer/songwriter from Sweden and founder of LA band "Reckoner," Cody Perrin, a 25 year-old guitarist from Santa Barbara, and Giovanno Reinaldo, a 24 year-old Bass player from Indonesia -- wrote and recorded the original song and video, entitled "Free," in just 9 hours on board the Lennon Bus. Alexakis performed one of his greatest hits, "Santa Monica," for the crowd after the "Free" video debut at the Imagine Party.

ABOUT ART ALEXAKIS:

Arthur Paul "Art" Alexakis is best known as the Lead Singer, Guitarist, Producer and Principle Songwriter for the Multi-Platinum, Grammy nominated Alternative rock band Everclear.  Everclear was formed in Portland, Oregon in 1992 by Alexakis.  The band has sold over 8 million albums in the U.S. and Canada alone, with 8 Top 40 hit singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock, Top 40, & Adult Top 40 charts, including: "Santa Monica," "I Will Buy You A New Life," "Wonderful," "A M Radio" and  "Father of Mine."  Art has also been a songwriter for other major artists. Alexakis founded several record labels throughout his career, and has worked as an A&R representative for major record labels as well. As Chair of the Songwriting Program for the Los Angeles College of Music, he will lead and inspire the next generation of musicians in songwriting. www.lacm.edu

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES COLLEGE OF MUSIC

The Los Angeles College of Music, LACM, prepares students to be leaders in music and offers Bachelor's Degrees in Music Performance and Music Production. Located in the heart of the music and entertainment industries, the faculty is comprised of current, leading, musical professionals with a passion for inspiring the next generation.  The college offers a significant number of real world playing situations with professional musicians, not just peers, setting the school apart from other prestigious music institutions. The college is comprised of talented students from around the world who partner together in an intimate and supportive environment to learn to create, record, perform and market in today's competitive music industry.  (Formerly known as LAMA, The Los Angeles Music Academy.)   www.LACM.edu

Media Contact: Laura Charlton (formerly Johnson), Laura Johnson Public Relations, (760) 450-7749, [email protected]

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SOURCE Art Alexakis