I don't exactly know what I've saved so far, but I know I've made some huge strides in a territory I had previously deemed uncharted. There wasn't much I knew about music other than the chorus' to a few songs stuck in my head. I was certainly naive, and definitely ignorant looking back, but I have learned much so far, and as an aspiring musician myself, I can only hope to continue my part in the Save the Music campaign in the future.
I wish I would have had the same perspective I have now on Music and what it both means to us and does to us as humans and as individuals each trying to figure out the right thing to do in this crazy little world of ours. This summer will certainly be an exciting one. Be on the lookout for more information and stuff in the future, and if you haven't already, be sure to check out some of the links to the right of the page. There are many ways for us to save the Music, and no matter how you choose to save the Music in your endeavors, rest assured that you are going to be making moves in the right direction.
Raise the volume,
Will
Welcome all, My name is William Laughon, and I am a student at Richmond High. Music has been one of the largest influences on my life as a member of the youth--and impact I know that it will continue to have, should it survive. Hard times and massive budget cuts around the nation and even here in the bay area have endangered the impact of music. This is my blog to raise the volume on this issue. This is my blog to save the music.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Raising the Volume--J. Franklin
Across the Bay in San Francisco, there are tons of street musicians and performers alike daily. Some do it for money, others do it to entertain, and some do it to raise awareness. After listening to this man's smooth sounds and cozy chords, I had the urge to meet him, and perhaps learn a little bit about what drives him. I present to you, Jim Franklin.
Bio: Jim Franklin is a jazz musician of over 25 years. He has been playing since he was 6, but he began performing at the mere age of 9. Now, at the age of 32, he is primarily a saxophonist, but is adept at most any jazz instrument you will find. A con nosier of music history and a living testament to the power of music and its influence over us, Jim continues to save the music today, by making as much of it as possible. I was lucky enough for him to give me a few minutes to get his thoughts on the Save the Music campaign.
Me: What does Music mean to you?
Jim: "Music means... well that's a tough question. Let me say that music, to me, is the reason why. It is the reason why I practice the instruments I practice and create the music I create. Music, for me, is also guidance... a light that sort-of leads me in the natural direction for me as both an individual and musician. But, perhaps, what music means to me most is happiness. It is simply what makes me happy, and I know I'm not the only one so it's easy for me to do what I love in the hope of chasing, or rather helping to pursue a certain happiness for others. Yeah, that's what it is to me."
Me: How crucial do you think music education is to the youth?
Jim: "Well, it can be hard to argue that such is essential to success, but if you ask me, music education is critical to a child's development. Learning to read music is like learning a new language, and to create it we need to be in charge of the ingenuity and innovation locked inside all of our minds. Music education, and the younger age the better, allows us to unlock this and make what, to be honest, all of us have the ability to make.. music, of course."
Me: Why do you want to save the Music?
Jim: "Hah. Well, in that sense, I want to save the Music for those who, perhaps, aren't yet able to save it for themselves. I live each day of my life with the goal of making a positive difference in both my life and those who surround me and my music, because that's really all that matters to a man in my position."
Me: How do you plan to save the Music?
Jim: "I plan to do the same thing I have always tried my absolute best to do: make quality music."
Huge ups to Jim for his time and wise words, and I wish him the best of luck in his quest for Jazz et all.
Raise the volume,
Will
Raising the Volume--Cosmo
In Berkeley the other day, my friend and I met a young musician, an aspiring rap artist. I felt like this was a perfect opportunity to get some perspective on the music and what it means to those trying to save it today. I proceeded to ask for a quick interview and he agreed. I present to you, Cosmo.
Bio: Demetrius "Cosmo" Brown is a 22 year old musician and aspiring rap artist. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, moving out into the Bay Area last year upon his decision to attend Berkeley School of Music. A young entrepreneur in upstarting his "Cosmic" line of clothing and expert studio technician, Cosmo has largely experienced success that he has personally produced. I had the outstanding opportunity to meet this young man and ask him a couple of questions about the Save the Music campaign.
Me: What does Music mean to you?
Cosmo: "Music to me is an opportunity. It's a chance to not only try something new, but become great at it. The real meaning of music for me is in its impact. It's in how many people I reach and how many ears listen to a track or mixtape of mine. I make music for myself, but I also make it for my family. I make it for my friends and for my community. Music to me is about making a difference, whichever way we choose to go about doing it."
Me: How crucial do you think music education is to the youth?
Cosmo: "As a child who had his share of difficulties growing up, music was my lifesaver. It wasn't my only option; I had choices. But, the consequences of some of those lifestyles were harsh enough to set me along the path I eventually walked, one of basement studios and early tracks riddled with feedback and background ambiance. Music is something that has grown alongside me, with time, and I know there will be kids 'round the world that are going to use Music in the same way I did. I only have gratitude for Music and what it has done for me so far, so I can only imagine it's potential with the next generation of youth."
Me: Why do you want to save the Music?
Cosmo: "I mean, I just want to enjoy Music. That's what it is there for; that's what is it meant for. And, should I ever need to save Music in ways other than proliferating it, I'll have to find a new hat to put on. But, I would want to save it because it's really the only thing I have left. And, I know there are plenty of other musicians and entertainers out there who are in similar positions. Music can't die on me.. I wouldn't be the person I am today without it."
Me: How do you plan to save the Music?
Cosmo: "I plan to save the music by making as much of it as I can, man. Music is not something that is meant to be tunnel-visioned or segregated. The beauty in music lies in its diversity, and the genius of its practicality despite such huge variability. The more music I can pump out to the crowd, the more noise I can make, the more change I can make, and the more impact I can produce, hopefully."
I want to give a huge shout-out to Cosmo and show some appreciation for participating in this and I hope that he has given you some insight, as he has me. Lookout for his upcoming mixtape later this Fall, titled "Planetary."
Raise the volume,
Will
Bio: Demetrius "Cosmo" Brown is a 22 year old musician and aspiring rap artist. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, moving out into the Bay Area last year upon his decision to attend Berkeley School of Music. A young entrepreneur in upstarting his "Cosmic" line of clothing and expert studio technician, Cosmo has largely experienced success that he has personally produced. I had the outstanding opportunity to meet this young man and ask him a couple of questions about the Save the Music campaign.
Me: What does Music mean to you?
Cosmo: "Music to me is an opportunity. It's a chance to not only try something new, but become great at it. The real meaning of music for me is in its impact. It's in how many people I reach and how many ears listen to a track or mixtape of mine. I make music for myself, but I also make it for my family. I make it for my friends and for my community. Music to me is about making a difference, whichever way we choose to go about doing it."
Me: How crucial do you think music education is to the youth?
Cosmo: "As a child who had his share of difficulties growing up, music was my lifesaver. It wasn't my only option; I had choices. But, the consequences of some of those lifestyles were harsh enough to set me along the path I eventually walked, one of basement studios and early tracks riddled with feedback and background ambiance. Music is something that has grown alongside me, with time, and I know there will be kids 'round the world that are going to use Music in the same way I did. I only have gratitude for Music and what it has done for me so far, so I can only imagine it's potential with the next generation of youth."
Me: Why do you want to save the Music?
Cosmo: "I mean, I just want to enjoy Music. That's what it is there for; that's what is it meant for. And, should I ever need to save Music in ways other than proliferating it, I'll have to find a new hat to put on. But, I would want to save it because it's really the only thing I have left. And, I know there are plenty of other musicians and entertainers out there who are in similar positions. Music can't die on me.. I wouldn't be the person I am today without it."
Me: How do you plan to save the Music?
Cosmo: "I plan to save the music by making as much of it as I can, man. Music is not something that is meant to be tunnel-visioned or segregated. The beauty in music lies in its diversity, and the genius of its practicality despite such huge variability. The more music I can pump out to the crowd, the more noise I can make, the more change I can make, and the more impact I can produce, hopefully."
I want to give a huge shout-out to Cosmo and show some appreciation for participating in this and I hope that he has given you some insight, as he has me. Lookout for his upcoming mixtape later this Fall, titled "Planetary."
Raise the volume,
Will
Well, who is going to save Music, anyway?
Well, certainly not Superman. Similar looking planes and birds alike need also stray. Who's going to save music is you--is me, is your friend and spouse, is your neighbor, is the world. Saving the music is not about any single heroic savior. There's not centerfold, no man or woman powerful enough to save anything, let alone music, by him or herself. Music is inherently collaborative. One instrument is usually not a show, but an orchestra will play for millions. There may be a very successful solo artist or musician, but one thing that seems to escape us is the fact that we are roughly equal to music's "power." It is us who buy merchandise or endorse songs, who allow a single 4 minute video to gather millions upon millions of views, worldwide, who raise these tall walls ourself, so it is only natural that we possess the ability to tear them down.
What I am trying my best to say is that all of us are going to save the music. Since there's no single hero, it follows that a solution may not be as linear as the usual suspect. The solution rests within us. That power lies within our decision to introduce a new instrument to our children or listen to a new song for the first time, to cover a classic or to create something entirely new. We will decide with our action, how we use and progress music in the future, how we will integrate more complete music education and equipment within every school, not just the ones that "can afford it." There's no price on ability, on talent, on skill or savvy, and there shouldn't be a price to pay for the level of education we are all able to provide the next generation and the current, the young and the old, the educated and the need-to-be-educated.
In creating this, I've made some of my first steps in how I plan to save the music, and I hope I inspire a few people to take the same initiative I did in the near and far future. This will not be an overnight fix--of this I am fully aware. All in good time, however, it's only begun for me.
Raise the volume,
Will
What I am trying my best to say is that all of us are going to save the music. Since there's no single hero, it follows that a solution may not be as linear as the usual suspect. The solution rests within us. That power lies within our decision to introduce a new instrument to our children or listen to a new song for the first time, to cover a classic or to create something entirely new. We will decide with our action, how we use and progress music in the future, how we will integrate more complete music education and equipment within every school, not just the ones that "can afford it." There's no price on ability, on talent, on skill or savvy, and there shouldn't be a price to pay for the level of education we are all able to provide the next generation and the current, the young and the old, the educated and the need-to-be-educated.
In creating this, I've made some of my first steps in how I plan to save the music, and I hope I inspire a few people to take the same initiative I did in the near and far future. This will not be an overnight fix--of this I am fully aware. All in good time, however, it's only begun for me.
Raise the volume,
Will
What are you talking about? Who said Music ever needed saving?
Music usually isn't the topic affiliated with things like danger and death--I know this. But, some statistics have led to really startling conclusions. If anyone is unfamiliar with the topic, I strongly suggest that you read this: http://www.langlangfoundation.org/sites/default/files/content/documents/CaseforMusicEducation.pdf
Music Education is not as simple as reading symbols or strumming the correct cords. I mean, it is, but there's more than that. As the argument above me elaborates, music education is statistically critical to overall performance, with the essential conclusion that those who practice music and/or study music in their youth tend to be better performing individuals--more successful individuals. This success can be measured any kind of way you'd like. From bigger paychecks to more enriching lifestyles, music is an influence on us that is here to stay with the impact it has on us.
The author of the above details the stunning decline of music education in the U.S. For areas with low-poverty and/or no poverty, music education is widespread. Nearly every child has at least tried to learn an instrument, and many have already mastered one by the time they finish high school. These areas are coincidentally higher in testing scores, college admission statistics, and funding as well. But is it a coincidence? Nay, music is intrinsically linked to our being, and the understanding, enjoyment, and participation in it and associated with the average person spider webs its way into our life. Translating music symbols practices our understanding and problem-solving. Accuracy in our playing and recitals chronicles our ever-present lust to improve and management of our skill sets. Music, for what its worth (which is a lot), is the sleeper influence, and a lot of people may actually take for granted what music provides them. Whether it is something to get better at, something to soothe your mood, or something to understand, as generally as possible, music is a gateway to improvement, to "stepping up your game" in nearly anything you choose to do.
Locally, I see evidence of this. There's one Guitar Center in El Cerritto and a couple of pawn shops to get some salvaged instruments. In my own school, we are lucky to have a full-time music teacher, but I know there are many communities whom do not. Or, if they do have an instructor, there may be a shortage on equipment or time. There's a reason the upper echelon of primary and secondary schooling remains in that very same upper echelon, and I would be a fool to not consider music as a primary factor in that equation. Now, I am in no way leading to a claim along the lines of "music education will give your student straight A's" or "music education guarantees graduation," but I can tell you whole-heartily that, in my personal opinion, music education and participation guarantees are more well-rounded and understanding individual--two things we seem to be lacking at times in this new generation...
Nonetheless, this is not a dire problem now, but it has the potential to be in the future if we do not begin to take the initial steps to do something about. So, this is my first step. Welcome to my blog, of the music, for the music.
Raise the volume,
Will
Music Education is not as simple as reading symbols or strumming the correct cords. I mean, it is, but there's more than that. As the argument above me elaborates, music education is statistically critical to overall performance, with the essential conclusion that those who practice music and/or study music in their youth tend to be better performing individuals--more successful individuals. This success can be measured any kind of way you'd like. From bigger paychecks to more enriching lifestyles, music is an influence on us that is here to stay with the impact it has on us.
The author of the above details the stunning decline of music education in the U.S. For areas with low-poverty and/or no poverty, music education is widespread. Nearly every child has at least tried to learn an instrument, and many have already mastered one by the time they finish high school. These areas are coincidentally higher in testing scores, college admission statistics, and funding as well. But is it a coincidence? Nay, music is intrinsically linked to our being, and the understanding, enjoyment, and participation in it and associated with the average person spider webs its way into our life. Translating music symbols practices our understanding and problem-solving. Accuracy in our playing and recitals chronicles our ever-present lust to improve and management of our skill sets. Music, for what its worth (which is a lot), is the sleeper influence, and a lot of people may actually take for granted what music provides them. Whether it is something to get better at, something to soothe your mood, or something to understand, as generally as possible, music is a gateway to improvement, to "stepping up your game" in nearly anything you choose to do.
Locally, I see evidence of this. There's one Guitar Center in El Cerritto and a couple of pawn shops to get some salvaged instruments. In my own school, we are lucky to have a full-time music teacher, but I know there are many communities whom do not. Or, if they do have an instructor, there may be a shortage on equipment or time. There's a reason the upper echelon of primary and secondary schooling remains in that very same upper echelon, and I would be a fool to not consider music as a primary factor in that equation. Now, I am in no way leading to a claim along the lines of "music education will give your student straight A's" or "music education guarantees graduation," but I can tell you whole-heartily that, in my personal opinion, music education and participation guarantees are more well-rounded and understanding individual--two things we seem to be lacking at times in this new generation...
Nonetheless, this is not a dire problem now, but it has the potential to be in the future if we do not begin to take the initial steps to do something about. So, this is my first step. Welcome to my blog, of the music, for the music.
Raise the volume,
Will
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