Teens Aspiring to Music Careers Receive Real World Experience, Advice from Pros

Larissa M. Tyler | As of Friday, January 22, 2016

Joelle Israel of Rogers Park absorbing the knowledge of Greg “Stryke” Chin of The GRAMMY Foundation at Best Buy GRAMMY Camp– Weekend, powered by Chicago City of Learning.
Joelle Israel of Rogers Park absorbing the knowledge of Greg “Stryke” Chin of The GRAMMY Foundation at Best Buy GRAMMY Camp– Weekend, powered by Chicago City of Learning. Katharine Hannah

Now that Chicago native and rapper, “Chance the Rapper” made his debut on Saturday Night Live this past weekend and made history as the first independent artist ever to appear on the show, you’d better believe that hundreds, perhaps thousands of young artists from Chicago are hoping to follow in his footsteps. But they will need more than just high hopes to get that far.

“Chance the Rapper” who hails from Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood, has a premier public relations team, an excellent manager and he connected with the right people in the “industry.” Those people have steered him in the right direction thus far in his successful three year career.

photo
“Chance the Rapper” made his debut on Saturday Night Live on Dec. 12, 2015 and made history as the first independent artist ever to appear on the show. The rapper hails from Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood, has a premier public relations team, an excellent manager and is connected with the right people in the “industry.”

Now, some 39 local high school students are getting a push in the right direction. On Saturday, Dec. 5, they participated in the Best Buy GRAMMY Camp – Weekend, powered by Chicago City of Learning.

Held on DePaul University’s Loop Campus, the fortunate 39 were chosen to work side-by-side with GRAMMY Foundation professionals whose clientele include artists like Beyonce’, Jason Mraz, Jay Z, Madonna, Pink, and Usher.

The teens developed industry skills while taking advantage of this rare opportunity to receive free, expert training in songwriting, electronic music production or video production.

“It’s a great experience that could change your life – and your future,” said 12th grader Joelle Israel of Rogers Park, who attended Chicago’s premier camp last year, earned a full scholarship to GRAMMY Foundation’s weeklong, residential camp in Los Angeles over the summer, and returned to Chicago’s second camp to absorb more tips of the trade.

Applicants came from high schools citywide, as well as after school programs, such as those offered by the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Little Black Pearl Art and Design Academy and other Chicago City of Learning partner organizations like Donda’s House, GlobalGirl Media, Beyond the Bell, McGaw YMCA, After School Matters, Chicago Urban League, IMPACT Family Center, Metropolitan Family Services and UCAN’s FamilyWorks.

Professional participants who flew in from Miami and Los Angeles included: Greg “Stryke” Chin, recording artist, producer, author, music technologist, GRAMMY Foundation Board member, and electronic music production faculty member; Abby Linne, cinematographer, operator, music photographer, and video production faculty member; and Christopher Sampson, vice dean, professor of songwriting, and founding director of the popular music program at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.

“You will be challenged today, and I look forward to seeing how you meet and overcome those obstacles,” Sampson told attendees upon their arrival. “Our goal is to create a spark in you that will last days and years to come.”

That “spark” that Sampson speaks of is otherwise known as inspiration. And for at least one student participating in the program, it is inspiration that is now pushing her towards following her dream of becoming a successful artist.

“I tried something new today and learned from it,” Alejandra Ibanez said. “It was hard, but very fun. I feel inspired to follow my dreams and never give up.”

Not only did participants leave with a greater sense of how they can develop a strategy that will increase their chances at having a successful career in music, but they also earned a digital badge, which shows the skills they achieved and is stored at ChicagoCityofLearning.org in portfolios that can be shared with teachers, college admissions officers or prospective employers.

The participants of this camp will have the chance to apply for a full scholarship to the summer residential GRAMMY Camp program. Anyone interested in an immersive music industry summer experience is encouraged to apply to GRAMMY Camp at www.grammyintheschools.com before the March 31, 2016 deadline.

The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1988 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture.

Best Buy Co., Inc. is the world's largest consumer electronics retailer, offering advice, service and convenience — all at competitive prices — to the consumers who visit its websites and stores more than 1.5 billion times each year.

Chicago City of Learning is a citywide, year-round program that sees all of Chicago as a classroom — with endless opportunities to learn new skills, discover passions and build pathways to further education and careers. For more information, visit www.ChicagoCityofLearning.org, email ccol@mkcpr.com or call 312.822.0505.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

A.L. Smith - Harold Washington Legacy Committee