Video: MATT SORUM Delivers Keynote Speech At MUSICIANS INSTITUTE Commencement Ceremony

October 2, 2013

On September 21, drummer Matt Sorum (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER, THE CULT) shared plenty of advice with Musicians Institute's latest graduating class as the keynote speaker at their 2013 commencement ceremony. Sorum provided insight on the state of the industry, using social media, and how to "create your own universe."

Check out footage of Sorum's keynote speech and post-speech interview below.

Musicians Institute, in Hollywood, California, offers a comprehensive, hands-on education in contemporary music performance, recording, guitar making, music business and film.

As previously reported, Sorum helped raise more than $275,000 at his Peace Through Music benefit gala, which took place September 15 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. He partnered with philanthropist and South Asian rock star Shehzad Roy to raise funds for both the improvement of public education and for the arts in underprivileged schools around the world.

The red-carpet gala featured performances by Sorum and Roy, along with Slash, Macy Gray and ex-GUNS guitarist Gilby Clarke, along with appearances from Jane Lynch from "Glee", SUGAR RAY's Mark McGrath, Johnathan Schaech from "Ray Donovan" and more guests.

Sorum said, "Kids learn four times better with music and arts, without which their education suffers and we lose a creative force of the future."

Roy added, "Over 85% of school-going children (in Pakistan) only have access to government schools plagued with low teacher attendance, dilapidated facilities, and a curriculum that encourages rote-learning. Only through government school reform, can all children get quality education."

Lynch, who serves on the board of Sorum's Adopt The Arts organization, said, "Music is a universal language that unites us all, regardless of our backgrounds. Arts help kids think critically and perform better in school making them adults who contribute more to society."

All proceeds will benefit schools maintained in Pakistan for girls' education through Zindagi Trust and two schools in the Los Angeles area being supported by Adopt The Arts.

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