DJ Jazzy Jeff Speaks on New Digital Workshop: The Command Central Program
Dj Jazzy Jeff speaks on his upcoming digital workshop, The Command Central Program. Jeff plans to take upcoming music producers under his hood to teach them essential steps to creating their own music. He explains how he plans to teach the next generation and what he is looking for in a future talent.
What ultimately inspired you to help young people/ students get a head start in the music industry?
Back in the day, everything about producing and record digging was kept a secret because we were worried that someone would steal our ideas. But then you realize that keeping all that information to yourself means that it dies with you. The only way to keep great music going is to pass the knowledge onto the next generation.
What was the purpose of making the program online instead of in person? Was it to create a larger outreach available to students across the country?
The virtual format of this program gives everybody a chance to learn. I wanted Command Central to be a tool that could help as many creatives as possible and thanks to the internet, we’re able to do that.
What kind of students are you looking to inspire with this program? What characteristics do you think it would take a student far in their career?
Anyone that is hungry. When you have drive and passion, you can do almost anything with the right people in your corner teaching you. People who are coming to the table from all different kinds of genres, styles, backgrounds are welcome.
How do you expect to engage your students, both virtually and in person, in this course?
It’s a full 360 program, so we’re engaging folks in all kinds of avenues. From writing to video lessons to small group interactions we tried to cover all bases. Engaging our students in different capacities makes the learning experience multi-dimensional.
In your trailer, you mention that you want your students to gain skills that help them collaborate with other artists. Why do you find that important in your program?
I think it’s always valuable to learn from your peers. Everyone comes from such different influences, and it shapes all sorts of unique perspectives. When you’re able to come to the table with people that can unlock new ways of seeing or hearing things, you’re able to really create beyond your own personal limits.
What is your teaching style for this course? How do you think your teaching style would help teach students to gain the necessary skills for making beats?
My teaching style I think is very conversational and fluid. I want people to feel like I’m getting to know them so they feel like they’re talking to a friend. I look for a way to relate to students. I’m able to put myself in someone’s shoes and see things from their perspective first so I can better communicate where there are opportunities or things they’re not seeing quite yet.
While explaining the purpose of the program, you said that you plan to teach students skills necessary to collaborate with artists. How do you plan to teach students on how to collaborate with artists?
There’s going to be a lot of feedback we’ll integrate into the program, not only by me but their peers. Being able to listen and apply feedback from your community is just as important as refining the craft itself, and we’ll be putting students in an environment where that’s a constant integration.
You can register for the Command Central Program up to April 17th. Secure your tickets with this link: https://commandcentral.djjazzyjeff.com/
