Empowering the Next Generation of Music Professionals
Music has always been an influential and powerful tool for expressing emotions, conveying messages, and entertaining people. Give a Beat’s Youth Music Production & DJ Program towards a pathway for Creative Careers is one such initiative that aims to inspire and educate young minds about the various pathways available in the music industry.
Give a Beat is a nonprofit organization that uses electronic music as a catalyst for social change. The organization was co-founded by Lauren Segal and Virginia Cheung in 2014 with the mission to empower youth affected by incarceration. The Youth Music Production & DJ Program is one of Give a Beat’s flagship initiatives that focuses on providing mentorship, education, and networking opportunities for young people aged 11-23 interested in pursuing careers in the music industry.
The program partners with local schools, juvenile justice facilities, and community organizations to identify students who are passionate about music but lack access to resources and guidance. The program provides free classes on various aspects of the music industry such as DJing, production, composing, sound engineering, marketing, and more.
The classes are taught by experienced professionals from various fields of the music industry who use their time and expertise. The Teaching Artists not only teach technical skills but also share their personal experiences and insights into the challenges and opportunities in their respective fields. This helps the students understand the real-world scenarios and develop a realistic perspective on what it takes to succeed in the industry.
During a Q&A session, one student asked our Teaching Artist, Shaine, if she ever attended college. They chatted about her experience DJing there, sparking the interest of the student.
As he’s currently residing in juvenile hall, he shared,
“I really hope to be able to DJ at a college party once I am able to get out of here.”
This conversation highlights how learning DJing broadens horizons and inspires young people. It motivates them to bring their skills and creativity to life, college and beyond!
At Give a Beat, we nurture passion and provide growth opportunities. Our Teaching Artists help mentor and empower youth by sharing experiences, knowledge, and skills. Together, we shape futures filled with endless possibilities!
Give a Beat’s program aims to bridge this gap by providing equal opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. The program actively seeks out and welcomes students from underrepresented communities to ensure that they have a seat at the table.
In conclusion, Give a Beat’s Youth Program towards pathways in Creative Careers is an excellent initiative that provides much-needed mentorship, education, and networking opportunities to young music enthusiasts. The program supports diversity, inclusivity, and social change by equipping the next generation of music professionals with skills, knowledge, and inspiration. By investing in such initiatives, we can create a more equitable and vibrant music industry that reflects our society’s diversity and values.
If you are interested in supporting the Give a Beat organization, please consider donating today: giveabeat.org/donate
