Steven Van Zandt’s music-education program helps teach kids about the Holocaust

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steven Van Zandt speaks about his TeachRock music-education program on "Florida Matters Live amp; Local" on Nov. 11, 2026. ( WUSF)For decades, Steven Van Zandt has wowed audiences with his performances.You may know him from playing guitar and singing with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band or portraying Silvio Dante on the iconic gangster TV series “The Sopranos.”The Rock Roll Hall of Famer has another side to him, too: educator. His TeachRock curriculum provides music-focused lessons on a range of issues.Van Zandt joins “Florida Matters Live Local” to discuss the genesis and effectiveness of the program.A current TeachRock project is called “Jewish heritage and the Holocaust: exploring an enduring culture through music.” It is in partnership with the Florida Commission of Education's Task Force on Holocaust Education.By using music by performers such as Kiss frontman Gene Simmons and Leonard Cohen, students become engaged and excited about learn