Whether laying down some beats in the studio or performing an original song on the stage of the auditorium, students are making music at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn.

Ashley Smith took advantage of the Music Technology Program to learn to be a DJ. Not just any DJ, but the school DJ. 

“It was kind of a struggle at first, but I kind of got the hang of it, turned out to be the natural thing I like to do,” Smith said. 

The Music Technology Program was established in 2015 through a partnership between Levi’s and singer and songwriter Alicia Keys.

It introduces students to sound engineering, recording, producing, music scoring and more. They learn all the creative and technical skills needed to make music. 

“They are learning how to write their own songs, recording arts, how to mix how to master, basically the whole process of making a song,” Joseph Reilly, who teaches the class, said.

The program has inspired students to continue their music education in college. The three-year track is a state-approved career and technical education program.

“A growing number of universities have music technology programs and music production programs, so we have a couple of our seniors moving on to either work in the field or go study in undergrad,” Reilly said. 

So don’t be surprised if you are hearing the names of these students soon, making hits and inspiring music for the planet.