Pupils from Melton Specialist School have swapped the classroom for the recording booth to become DJs for a day.
On Monday, September 16, five kids were taken to the music studios at Melton Library and Learning Centre to make their own songs.
The program is run by Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services in conjunction with Urban Movement to encourage learning.
Acting Djerriwarrh school focused youth services co-ordinator Yui Thanacharoenporn said that everyone involved “loved it.”
“We had one kid, who named himself DJ Waisale, who couldn’t believe it … he mentioned afterwards that he wanted to go into the music business,” she said.
“He loves electronic, pop, and rock music … doing this made him feel both proud and happy.”
As part of their project, participants record their own vocals before going into the studio and mixing the song.
Ms Thanacharoenporn said that music “was not just about listening” and was a great educational tool that empowered discovery.
“The reason we organised this for the kids is because… it supports them to keep learning and engage with other kids,” she said.
“The kind of skills they learn from the course can help them succeed in the future.”
There is also a significant social upside to the program as well.
“They pair up and learn how to work as a team, [creating] connection and belonging… there is a bond with other classmates.”
Djerriwarrh plans to run the course again for Melton Specialist School in term four as well as at Kurunjang Primary School.
Ms Thanacharoenporn offered a “big thank you” to the Melton Library and DJ Ragz from Urban Movement for turning “dreams into melodies.”
