Baltimore youths have an opportunity to learn about the music and media industries — and make money — thanks to an expanding program.Jaylin Williams, 18, counts his blessings every time he steps foot in the recording studio at the Media Rhythm Institute Studios on North Howard Street in Baltimore. “This is definitely crossed off the bucket list because not a lot of kids can have this and have the chance to be here,” Williams told 11 News. “I feel at home. It is just like a getaway thing, but it turns into something that you love doing.”With each bar and each verse, Williams takes a step toward making his music dreams come true. “I’m here any chance I get,” Williams told 11 News. “Any time I hear that they are open, I am here because it’s my chance to make myself better at what I do and level up my craft.”Williams is one of several students and independent artists learning and perfecting their craft at the Media Rhythm Institute Studios. “This is a place where you come and you learn how to be a professional in the field that you desire to be in, and also network,” said Jimmie Thomas, the director of Media Rhythm Institute Studios.Thomas and his business partner launched the program in 2017 to teach city students how to be media entertainment professionals as it relates to music production, composition, DJing, podcasting, creating music videos and more.The program is now expanding by opening Media Rhythm Institute Studios in May 2023 to help better serve Baltimore young people and independent artists. The building has recording studios, edit bays and a stage.Baltimore City Public Schools students went to the studio over the summer to learn for free through summer camp or a summer job with YouthWorks. Students participating in the iRhyme program learn how to produce and write music while students participating in the Channel Me Media program learn how to use cameras and editing software. Students can also learn dance at the studio. “All of that is important because (these are) different ways that young people express themselves,” Thomas told 11 News. “It’s important to give kids a voice.”Ahtyia McNutt found her voice as a participant in the program, learning to take photos and how to put pen to paper. “Especially with writing, I learned how to write my feelings and how to get it out, and how to do poetry — which, in turn, makes it easier for me to be able to verbally explain what I have going on versus just bottling up and shutting down,” McNutt told 11 News. It’s not just a way to express feelings. It’s also a tool for a better future as students book local performances and learn how to turn their craft into a career. “It’s just a way for them to express themselves, but also make money,” Thomas told 11 News. “Baltimore is a place of resilient people and hard-working people, and if we give these young people skills and knowledge and exposure now, then that could really grow this city.”It is free for students to use the equipment at the studio during the summer, but leaders want it to be free year-round. The program currently offers discount prices during the year, but it is accepting donations to help contribute to costs. For more information on how you can help, tap here.
Baltimore youths have an opportunity to learn about the music and media industries — and make money — thanks to an expanding program.
Jaylin Williams, 18, counts his blessings every time he steps foot in the recording studio at the Media Rhythm Institute Studios on North Howard Street in Baltimore.
“This is definitely crossed off the bucket list because not a lot of kids can have this and have the chance to be here,” Williams told 11 News. “I feel at home. It is just like a getaway thing, but it turns into something that you love doing.”
With each bar and each verse, Williams takes a step toward making his music dreams come true.
“I’m here any chance I get,” Williams told 11 News. “Any time I hear that they are open, I am here because it’s my chance to make myself better at what I do and level up my craft.”
Williams is one of several students and independent artists learning and perfecting their craft at the Media Rhythm Institute Studios.
“This is a place where you come and you learn how to be a professional in the field that you desire to be in, and also network,” said Jimmie Thomas, the director of Media Rhythm Institute Studios.
Thomas and his business partner launched the program in 2017 to teach city students how to be media entertainment professionals as it relates to music production, composition, DJing, podcasting, creating music videos and more.
The program is now expanding by opening Media Rhythm Institute Studios in May 2023 to help better serve Baltimore young people and independent artists. The building has recording studios, edit bays and a stage.
Baltimore City Public Schools students went to the studio over the summer to learn for free through summer camp or a summer job with YouthWorks. Students participating in the iRhyme program learn how to produce and write music while students participating in the Channel Me Media program learn how to use cameras and editing software. Students can also learn dance at the studio.
“All of that is important because (these are) different ways that young people express themselves,” Thomas told 11 News. “It’s important to give kids a voice.”
Ahtyia McNutt found her voice as a participant in the program, learning to take photos and how to put pen to paper.
“Especially with writing, I learned how to write my feelings and how to get it out, and how to do poetry — which, in turn, makes it easier for me to be able to verbally explain what I have going on versus just bottling up and shutting down,” McNutt told 11 News.
It’s not just a way to express feelings. It’s also a tool for a better future as students book local performances and learn how to turn their craft into a career.
“It’s just a way for them to express themselves, but also make money,” Thomas told 11 News. “Baltimore is a place of resilient people and hard-working people, and if we give these young people skills and knowledge and exposure now, then that could really grow this city.”
It is free for students to use the equipment at the studio during the summer, but leaders want it to be free year-round. The program currently offers discount prices during the year, but it is accepting donations to help contribute to costs. For more information on how you can help, tap here.
