The Kindness of SoCal Music Live.

I have to say, I love the concept of social networking. I'm glad to know that PM has other friends on MySpace besides Tom. One of our best new friends is SoCal Music Live and its founder, Bob Leggett. Bob reached out to us on a social network. He became an instant fan of PM and our mission to support youth through music education. Thanks to Bob and the So Cal Music consortium, we were designated as their chosen charity and gifted with a donation that will help us with our summer music program, Camp CASM.

If you haven't done so - go to MySpace and check out SoCal Music Live. This organization has some of the most amazing unsigned singer/songwriters and performers on the planet!

Thanks to Bob, Chelle and all the gang at SCML!!! See you this summer at Camp CASM!

L.A. INNER-CITY MUSIC PROGRAM INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN QUINCY JONES’ MUSIQ CONSORTIUM

Charyn Harris of Project MuszEd has been invited to represent A Place Called Home (APCH) in The Quincy Jones Musiq Consortium on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 in New York City. Through Project MuszEd, Ms. Harris oversees activities of the APCH music department, a learning site for the The Berklee City Music Network. The Quincy Jones Musiq Consortium is uniting leaders in music education, the music industry, corporations, foundations and philanthropists to share resources, networks, ideas and their passion to make music education an ongoing part of the lives of children in the U.S.

Berklee’s support of APCH has benefited hundreds of youth by providing free cutting-edge learning materials via the PULSE (Pre-University Learning Experience) website. PULSE provides an engaging interactive learning experience for the students. 15 students from APCH have attended Berklee’s summer program on scholarship while 3 students have been accepted fulltime; 2 with full scholarships to the prestigious institution. Under the direction of Ms.Harris, the program has been recognized by the City of Los Angeles and is lauded as one of the most comprehensive free music programs in Los Angeles in bringing cultural enrichment and diversity to the inner city community. Ms. Harris credits her educational experience at Berklee with preparing her to successfully meet the demands of professional and personal pursuits. “Attending Berklee gave me a competitive advantage. I’m excited to be able to pass this knowledge to my students. The venture with APCH, especially with the support of Berklee, is vital since it makes such a measurable difference in the lives of youth who may not otherwise have a positive or productive outlet of focus and expression .”

Project MuszEd is a nonprofit organization providing resources in music education and consultation to organizations and individuals. PM facilitates exciting opportunities that foster personal and academic growth for students who otherwise would not have access. With the support of PM, students have opened for The Black-Eyed Peas, performed with The Isley Brothers, Ozomatli and others. Prior to transitioning into Music Education, founder Charyn Harris, MBA, toured for nearly a decade as keyboardist for legendary R&B maestro, Barry White and performed with The Cranberries, Jonathan Butler, Al B. Sure!, Luciano Pavarotti, and others. Project MuszEd is dedicated to inspire youth while cultivating achievement and success through music.

For additional information, interviews, please contact Project Muszed (818) 985-6110 or info@projectmuszed.org

Inner City Music Students Hang with Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins

Since 2000, Project MuszEd has provided music education services to the Los Angeles youth center, A Place Called Home. Check out what happened when we were invited to spend the day with Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins for National Take A Youth To Work Day. A special thanks to John Byrd and Kat Perez-Fraga of Mogul Music for facilitating this wonderful opportunity!
Photo 1: APCH member Stefon Ginn takes direction to Rodney Jerkins in song production.
Photo 2: John Byrd, Miguel Nunez, Charyn Harris, Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins and Kat Perez-Fraga.

When nine APCH families arrived at Rodney Jerkins' Mogul Music complex, they had no idea what was in store for them. Rodney has produced a myriad of artists including Britney Spears, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and others. Today, unknown to our students, they were about to join the ranks of music royalty. Upon entering the complex, we were greeted by Rodney and the Music Mogul staff. Rodney was incredibly gracious and enthusiastic about inviting us into 'his house,' in which he urged us to be comfortable and have a good time, and we certainly did!

Rodney started the afternoon off by telling us his story. At age 14, Rodney was producing demos and handing them out to record label executives, only to have them thrown into the trash countless times. He had family members tell him he would not amount to anything. Yet and still, he pursued his dream and worked harder on his craft. Through the story, Rodney credited his faith, his belief in himself and his hard work ethic in achieving his success. He encouraged our members to do the same and to not give up on their dreams, but to remain focused and dedicated. His story was truly inspirational and was the perfect prelude to the proceeding events.

The members were split into two groups. Each group took turns going into Rodney's personal studio and participating in creating their own tracks. Rodney guided the students in creating a beat, adding additional parts and even going into the sound booth to rap and sing! Actor/Recording Artist Justin Martin was also on hand and provided extra support to the project. Justin, age 14, is now appearing in the 'The Soloist' with Jamie Foxx and has also appeared in 'High School Musical 3' and others. Also visiting that day was actor, Miguel Nunez!

As if that were not enough, Rodney then presented each member with the most incredible gift bag. Among the goodies were books, DVDs, CDs, and an ASUS computer! After a round of photos, Rodney then presented APCH with one of his first platinum records which he produced for R&B vocalist, Joe. We are honored that Rodney and the Mogul Management team thought of us and extended such incredible hospitality to our members and their families. The event was truly inspiring. Who knows, Rodney's next artist may be among one of our APCH students!

WATCH VIDEO HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zb9ZqA0hqE

Link to NBC News Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCkZB7YpyM0

Project MuszEd: Cultivating Achievement and Success through Music

We decided to put out this blog since so many of you have expressed interest about what is happening with Project MuszEd and our kids. Project MuszEd provides resources in music education to organizations and individuals. One of our most notable clients is the South Los Angeles youth center, A Place Called Home. We also provide free and low cost music instruction to a host of wonderful and deserving families throughout Los Angeles

Students benefit by being offered special performance opportunities, scholarship support, raising funds and just about anything that we can do to help them fulfill their goals and keep them involved in a positive and nurturing activity.

You will learn more about who we are and what we do, as well as read blogs highlighting our students. You will soon truly understand why we do what we do, and why we are so dedicated.

www.myspace.com/projectmuszed
www.projectmuszed.org