A member of a legendary New Jersey rock ’n’ roll band will be performing concerts in an effort to raise awareness for music education.

Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band says that he believes the history of rock ’n’ roll should be taught in schools. His Rock and Roll Forever Foundation provides free curriculum to schools to do just that.

"Don't tell a kid to take the iPod out of his ear. Ask them what they're listening to. And then let's trace it back,” Van Zandt says.

The musician says that a history of rock ’n’ roll class could be fun for students and that they could take that energy into their other classrooms.

Van Zandt appeared as a guest DJ on radio station WDHA, a New Jersey rock station out of Dover, Tuesday to promote the program. He will be performing with his band the Disciples of Soul.

Teachers can sign up for free tickets to the concerts, as well as a workshop to learn more about the music education curriculum.

“You have the cultural context, the historical context for what was going on when that song came out and why that song is relevant,” Van Zandt says.

There are two shows scheduled in New Jersey: April 29 in New Brunswick and May 5 in Morristown.

Ticket sales will help raise money for the educational program.

More information about Van Zandt’s program can be found at the Rock and Roll Forever Foundation website.