Students tune into DJing at the School District of Philadelphia

The Philadelphia area has long been known as a garden for growing musicians. The School District of Philadelphia wants to continue the long-standing connection between music education and artists in the community through a pilot program that teaches students the foundations of successful DJing.

According to an article in the Philadelphia Tribune, the program was started in 2019 at the district’s Hill-Freedman World Academy and Strawberry Mansion High School, and provides students with access to professional grade equipment and the opportunity to learn from professional DJs in the area, under the leadership of director of music education Frank Machos. Some of the skills students focus on are how to use the DJ controller and utilizing related software to load tracks and set cue points, the article says. Connecting students with mentors and providing opportunities to showcase skills are also aspects of the program.

The program continues to expand to other Philly schools and this school year, it will be brought to the Philadelphia High School for Girls, Academy at Palumbo, Joseph W. Catharine Elementary School and Bache Martin Elementary School. As students graduate from the program, the district is hoping to connect them to working professionals to help grow skills and jumpstart careers in music.