School music programs are dying, according to guitar teacher Monty Schmidt. There are rare programs that have lasted for decades thanks to parental support, but in neighborhoods where families struggle financially, you don't see them, he said. So how does a student who can't afford private lessons learn to play an instrument? Scholarships. That's what Schmidt's Music Never Stops Foundation aims to give, though not a single student has applied so far. This Thursday, the group will kick off their publicity and fundraising efforts with a Winter Jazz Concert Series at Beatnik Studios. The Rio Americano High School Jazz Combo will open for Capital Jazz Project and the concert will end with a