Unlocking Potential and Empowering Youth through Music: Woody’s Journey with Give a Beat
Teaching Artist Shaine with Youth Participant. This photo is for illustrative purposes and may not represent the individual quoted.
At Give a Beat, our mission is to empower young individuals through music education and provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in the world of music production and DJing. Since 2015, Give a Beat has been delivering music production and DJ programs to system-involved youth in Los Angeles through our Youth Music Production & DJ Program. We have partnered with 10+ like-minded organizations to host workshops for more than 2,000 youths in juvenile halls, community centers, and after-school programs. Collaborators include Arts for Healing & Justice Network, Jail Guitar Doors, Street Poets, Save the Music Foundation, and County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation.
Today, we are thrilled to share with you an inspiring story that showcases the transformative power of our Youth Music Production and DJing Program.
Woody, (name changed for protection) a 13-year-old participant, stands out among our remarkable students. He truly exemplifies the qualities of determination, progress, and innovation that we strive to cultivate in all participants. Throughout every session, Woody consistently demonstrates a strong dedication to his craft, displaying an unwavering commitment to improvement.
Woody began incorporating storytelling elements into his beat-making. He initially started experimenting with lengthy track names, some of which were almost 150 characters long. Eventually, he realized that he could convey a narrative not only through the names of the beats he produced but also through the sounds he selected. In a way, the sounds told a story, reminiscent of the video games he enjoys playing. Woody was genuinely impressed by the equipment we provided him with in the program. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with more professional equipment, as opposed to making music on his phone.
When asked about his motivation, Woody's response resonated deeply with us: "I show up because of the drive to get better." This hunger for growth and self-improvement is at the core of what we instill in our students. We believe that by nurturing this determination, we can equip them with the tools they need to succeed not only in music but in all aspects of life.
Woody's dedication is fueled by a belief in the abundance of opportunities that lie ahead. He understands that by continuously learning and expanding his skill set, he can open doors to a world full of possibilities. "I want to keep learning because I know there are opportunities out there for me," he shared. This mindset aligns perfectly with our mission to provide pathways for young artists to flourish and excel in their careers.
We believe in adapting our teaching methods to the unique needs and interests of each student. In response to Woody's request, we downloaded nursery rhymes for him to practice with. The joy and enthusiasm that radiated from Woody as he immersed himself in these familiar tunes reaffirmed our belief in the power of personalized learning experiences.
In an exciting turn of events, we extended an invitation for Woody to join Fresh Tracks—an exclusive program focused on developing young emerging artists with intensive workshops in beat making, song writing, recording and production, and video editing. The news left Woody ecstatic, knowing that his dedication and hard work had been recognized. This opportunity not only provides Woody with a platform to showcase his talent but also connects him with a network of professionals who can mentor and guide him on his artistic journey.
However, it was Woody's recent breakthrough that truly marked a turning point in his creative process. He began infusing storytelling elements into his beat-making, crafting tracks that follow a chronological order and weave together a captivating narrative about alien abduction. This newfound investment in the creative process showcases Woody's growth as an artist—one who transcends technical skills to create music that evokes emotion and tells a compelling story.
Woody's impact story serves as a testament to the effectiveness of Give a Beat's Youth Music Production and DJing Program. By unlocking creativity, providing tailored support, and fostering connections within the industry, we empower young individuals like Woody to reach their full potential.
We celebrate stories like Woody's because they exemplify why programs like ours are vital investments in the future of music. Through music education, we not only cultivate artistic talent but also nurture personal growth, resilience, and innovation. Our aim is to create a generation of young leaders who can shape the landscape of the music industry.
To learn more about the transformative impact of our Youth Music Production and DJing Program and how you can support our mission to empower young individuals through music education, read more or donate.
