We wish you all the best holiday season as we prepare for a new year to come. May all of you have a safe, happy, healthy and fun day’s. Enjoy each and every moment, We thank you for your support. Even our partners at FlyMama in Sweden.
God Jul!
In today’s new economy and fast pace lifestyles Mothers have become the New Entrepreneurs, from taking care of their maternal responsibilities to running billion dollar companies and traveling the world. Creating, marketing, providing and being successful.
Making A Notable Difference is a vision and mission for Charyn Harris. It’s an idea that had come to reality.
Charyn Harris – ProjectMuszEd Founder.
Hey Charyn,
MB: You and I met some time ago, I believe that you were working on your CD project at the time. After spending years on the road and preforming with the late historical R&B maestro Barry White. You have worked with other well known artist, such as The Cranberries, Smooth Jazz guitarist Doc Powell and Paula Cole this is only to name a few.
I applaud you as one of the entertainment industry women who have made changing in their careers to diversify their passions and dreams to help benefit the community and make a difference in and around the communities.
First, you spent most of your career performing music. After living your hometown, Mount Vernon New York then Berklee College of Music and touring for almost 10 years to creating a very unique organization for inner-city youth. Project MuszEd. That’s quite a journey. Most importantly of all being a Mom.
MB: You have had quite a ride as a musician, mother and non profit organizer. I know each one of titles has challenges to be met on a daily basis.
CH: Absolutely! I have large role to fulfill – being both mother and father since I am a single mom, training and mentoring young musicians and taking an active role in making music accessible for youth in need. It’s more than a notion. I’m not a 10 or even a 20 percent person….. I want 200 percent! At the same time, I understand when things don’t go as planned, but I have never been afraid to roll up my sleeves and give my all.
Being a musician, especially a woman in this field helped me to understand how hard one has to work. My parents instilled integrity and humility in me – never be afraid of a challenge, because without them, you won’t see true success.
As a single mom, I have to make sure that my daughter’s needs are always attended to, especially emotionally. Since her father is not in her life, I have a huge challenge and she has had moments of feeling insecure. I work very hard to make sure she knows she has lots of people in her life that love her and she should never compare herself to others.
I want to make sure that she is capable of cultivating healthy relationships and is confident about who she is. I’m so proud of her. She is a great student, is compassionate and is certainly not afraid to speak up for herself. She’s only eight now, but I can’t wait to see who she becomes as an adult.
Project MuszEd has been a labor of love. The nonprofit world has its ups and downs as everything does at this point. I am proud that something that I created is able to touch so many lives. Sometimes it’s great…. sometimes we are challenged.
Every challenge gives me a chance to think differently. It allows me to think about being more efficient, how to serve youth differently and how to reach out to a new constituency.
MB: 2004 was the launch year for Project MuszEd. What sparked this idea in the first place for you?
CH: I took a position teaching in a youth center in South Central L.A. These kids had less than any kids I had ever seen. Some of these kids would easily been labeled unmanageable, but what I learned was they were just normal kids who didn’t have exposure and were emulating their environment. I started calling my music industry friends and introducing my students to various aspects in the music industry – not just being a rapper or singer. I started working with them on understanding the music as a discipline, teaching them theory and musicianship.
Most music programs focus on classical music. All of our instructors are classical trained, but our students wanted to learn what they heard on the radio. They wanted instant gratification, and I had gained a reputation as an instructor in delivering just that. So, unlike many of the music programs, we primarily focus on contemporary music applications, since a) it is what our students relate to first and b) we are able to train our students to build a career through live performance and music education.
We have a number of students who have eventually gravitated towards classical, which is fascinating since many were so against it at first. There is no greater joy than seeing your 19 year old student play a gig with a major artist on TV! That means we are giving these kids a strong enough foundation to have a productive future.
MB: What was the over-all missing factor for you that merited the devotion of your time to create a Non Profit environment for the kids?
CH: A lot of the kids we work with are simply over looked. They are invisible… sometimes, it’s even difficult to raise money for them, I’m sad to say. It costs more to put a juvenile in prison than to work with a kid for several years and steer them towards higher education and being a productive member of society. We also work with a lot of children who are struggling physically with chronic illnesses.
Many of these students are often tired from chemo, and other therapies. We are planning a program with a transitional housing facility to provide music lessons for the children of battered women who are working on changing their lives. Imagine what these kids have gone through and how they will be able to learn to develop positive expression through music. Seeing these kids smile is priceless, especially when you know their young lives have been filled with physical and/or emotional pain.
MB: Do you find that there is more of a need for these type of programs to exist? Considering the various arts programs being cut from the school system.
CH: Yes indeed! Introducing music to youth in a structured and educational manner should be a no-brainer. Everyone who is privileged has access and is considered cultured. The missing link is ‘culture’ – kids can have exposure to the arts and culture regardless of their socio-economic status in an effort to lessen social gaps and increase the chance of all kids of pursuing higher learning. Music contributes to creating a well rounded individual with a sense of awareness, focus, tolerance and diversity.
MB: Have you found that inner-city programs similar to yours help keep our youth off the streets and out of trouble?
CH: I find that these programs can be great if they have a strong infrastructure. I have had to re-design programs to make sure there was a level of matriculation and students were feeling a sense of progression and accomplishment. I think those factors are important no matter what the subject is.
MB: How do you go about accepting kids that want to be included into the Project MuszEd?
CH: Depending on space,geography, the student’s level and availability of our funding, we are usually able to place a student in our current program or refer them to a program that we know will be a good fit for them. We are adept in assessing the student’s needs.
Follow Projectmuszed on Twitter
MB: As a Mom and music educator how do you manage the time to make it all work?
CH: I don’t think about it. If I think about it, I might crumble. As Nike says: “Just Do It.”
MB: Your students opened up for The Black Eyed Peas. That had to be exciting or a milestone moment for them and your organization.
CH: It was a huge ego boost for my students who were between the ages of 11 and 17 at the time. Most of those kids are now in the early twenties and are still every involved in music. That show really helped them to believe in themselves. They were very professional in singing together and worked extremely hard. You can view the youtube clip Here.
MB: The last few years you have held annual fundraiser. I know there is always a challenge getting everything to come off as planned. When was the first fundraiser and who have been primary supporters for the organization?
CH: We held our first major fundraiser in 2006. We honored Macy Gray and Leon “Ndugu” Chancler. Macy had a music school and we were beginning to partner on working with students to prepare to send to Berklee. Ndugu had been a longtime friend and mentored one of our students who earned a full scholarship to attend Berklee.
Over the years, we have picked up a few great supporters including The Swanton Family Foundation, The D’Addario Foundation for The Performing Arts, Peopletree, CoachArt and Kenny G. Kenny has been incredibly generous in designating us as his charity of choice for one of his golf classics and we are planning additional activities with him.
MB: What is it that is needed from the music industry gatekeepers, executives, musician and those who are in position to help you and your team with your educational programs? You know, that wish list.
CH: Our wish list is for funding and a new building for our program. We have a goal of raising $100k over the next year to help us serve and additional 100 kids. We have been pushing a campaign for people to give up their favorite coffee beverages for a week and contribute their estimated $25 to PM to provide music instruction for a child.
It takes so little and everyone is able to make a change. We would like program sponsors and ongoing support. Visit our website at www.projectmuszed.org and make a one time donation or join our monthly donation campaign and give as little as $10 a month. We are hoping that various businesses can designate us a their charity of choice and partner with us for fund raising events or create fund raising campaigns among their employees.
Artists can add a few extra dollars to their concert ticket price and donate that amount to us; Songwriters and publishers can donate 1-3% of their publishing on an ongoing basis and help us make huge difference.
Partner with Project MuszEd
MB: How can the industry be of support to help Project MuszEd continue to run and maintain the effective approach to assist our youth today? Specifically for those who want to have a career in the music world?
CH: Email me at charyn@projectmuszed.org or call me at 818-985-6110.
“Making A Notable Difference”
Awards Brunch
Sunday, May 15, 2011
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Los Angeles River Center & Gardens
570 West Avenue 26th
Los Angeles, CA 90065
323-223-0585
We need mentors, volunteers, music industry professionals, and people from all walks of culture who are passionate about touching a life through music and having fun in the process. Someone may have an associate or relative who is willing to donate an instrument, a service or funding … the list of needs for my students is endless and expands beyond music.
MB: For me that’s a Call to Action
MB: Your 2011 fundraiser is this coming weekend May 15, 2011. Teddy Riley is the Honorary Chair for the Event. Share a little bit more about the May 15th event?
CH: Yes! Teddy and I knew in each other back in New York. We recently reconnected and he is ecstatic about working with PM. Our event on May 15th honors four individual and their business. The 2011 honorees are: Leanne Summers, President, Los Angeles Women In Music, Tish Ciravolo, Founder/President, Daisy Rock Guitars and Jeff Smith & Ge Wang, Co-Founders, SonicMule (Smule). We are great admires of their professional and philanthropic efforts to make a difference in the lives of others.
We have a lot of fun surprises at the event – many celebrity guests are scheduled to join us. Actress Shondrella Avery (Secret Life Of Bees, One on One and more) will be our event host. You never know who may pop by!
MB: How can others get involved and be of help for this years event?
CH: Others can get involved and join us by going to www.projectmuszedevents.com
MB: If you had a Project MuszEd support wish what would be on that list?
CH: $100,000 to make sure we can serve more youth in need for the upcoming year!
MB: From your mouth to God’s ears. May all your wishes come true Thanks again!
Everyone Can Make A Notable Difference
ProjectMuszEd
Jewelry and Fashion
It’s a Wonderful World
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Gary Gene Bolton – talented country singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Kansas. Gary moved to Los Angele’s, determined to make his mark in music.
He performed at every opportunity in clubs in and around Los Angele’s including the Hyatt on Sunset and The Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City. He was noticed by several hit songwriters who hired him to record their songs – Peter Sterling Radcliffe’s “The Lonely King” was among them. From that point he was bitten by the songwriting bug.
I decided to sit down with Gary and have a chat.
Gary you have been writing songs for quite awhile now.
Q. What’s your inspiration to create the songs that you write?
A. I didn’t begin as a songwriter, but as a singer. I did have voice training and just being around music must have translated into my writing songs. I began my first song at a low point in my life, and I didn’t plan to write it… it just came upon me somehow. When I finished it, I realized that I could write, and had more song ideas and work to make them become a reality. Everything starts with a good idea. Some ideas I stick with if things seem to be working, and some I just put on the back burner.
You are very diversified in the songs that you write and the cover material that you choose to sing.
Q.You create in various genres. What’s in the track that sparks your creative muse?
A. I’m pretty much a dreamer and I’m a passionate person, so that lends itself to love songs, and I always love to tell a little story with my music. I believe I have a good sense of humor, so it’s fun for me to write funny songs. It helps keep me from taking myself to seriously.
You have pop, country and classic material that I’ve listened to.
Q.Is one genre easier for you to create the song’s lyric and melody? Or does it matter?
A. To me it doesn’t matter….a good idea is a good idea. If it starts out good and continues to feel good as I’m progressing through the song, then I think I have something that people will relate to.
Q. If what you hear feels good to you then you can write to it?
A. Yes, I guess that’s one way to put it.
Gary, when you and I first met I was managing keyboard player/producer Herman Jackson. When I read the musician’s credits on the back of your CD’s, I realized that you have worked with a stellar group of legendary players from Rayford Griffin, Nathan East to Kamil Rustam, the guitar virtuoso from France.
Q. What helps you get the best out of musicians when you are working with them during a session? Do you provide a sketch that you share with them?
A. All of the musicians I know and work with are very talented and they take a great sense of pride in their work. I’m better off if I just let them play, and after we go through a few takes and try a few of different approaches (usually their input), I will say ” I like the way this approach is working” and then we’re on our way.
Last year you were able to acquire tracks from an old friend of yours who passed away.
Q.Can you tell me a little about his background and what types of music materials you were able to attain?
A. Yes. Peter Sterling Radcliffe, who wrote “You’re the First, My Last, My Everything” for Barry White passed away a few years ago, but before he did, his love of music inspired him to go into the studio and record about 20 old standards. He went about it in the best way…strings, horns, beautiful arrangements, but he became ill, and wasn’t able to finish everything as it should have been finished.
His son, Wayne, gave me the music and I’m working with it now. It’s the kind of music any singer would love to record, and I’m grateful to be able to finish it.
Gary, you’ve written a song called “What Ever Happen To Main Street“. This song was written and recorded before the global economy meltdown. The ideology of Main Street is a topic by itself.
Q.From your viewpoint what little bit can every person do to bring a little of Main Street back to their communities.
A. I think that really what most people want is to have an even playing field. Follow the “Golden Rule” Try to keep things simple. If we keep that in mind, things will have a way of working out.
“City of Angels” is produced by both you and Peter Sterling Radcliffe,. It’s such a wonderful song.
The song has great movie or public service announcement potential .
Q. Was the old glamor Hollywood with it’s style and class ringing in your mind while composing this song ?
A. “City of Angels” was really Sterling’s baby…. I always admired what a dreamer he was… and I was attracted to the song that way. I think Sterling felt that there was really no romantic song about L.A.
“For the children” – I find this to be such a special song.
Q. What was your motivation in writing this tune?
A. I thought my marriage was breaking up, and then I looked at society at a lot of my friends who had children together, but the marriage didn’t last. It was “about the children” Divorce is so prevalent in our generation.
Q. With a little bit of love what was the spark for this song?
A. “With a Little Bit of Love” came from my being in a low place…it’s about having to start over, too try and pull yourself together and making yourself take a first step. It speaks to hope.
Q. Gary, what songs have you written that you believe are right on point with today’s issues?
A. I think “Whatever Happened to Main Street” was true 50 years ago, is true today, and will be true 50 years from now. We will always have challenges and will always have to try and do a little better. In business and our day to day living.
Q. What are you plans that you have for 2011?
A. Releasing the “With a Little Bit of Love Album” is at the top of my list, and I’m recording more and more tunes as we speak. Some will be old standards and some will be originals. I always seem to take on more than I can handle, but I keep trying.
The music industry is a major state of change.
Q. Do you feel it is easier for an artist to get there music message to the public?
A. I’m not sure that it’s easier right now, but we seem to be in a transition period and that can be confusing…everything seems to be disorganized today as opposed to 20 years ago, so artists and writers are mainly just trying to keep things simple…at least I know I am.
Q. What do you think the future of the singer/songwriter is headed?
A. I really don’t know. I just know I love the creative side of the entertainment business, and I just want to keep doing it.
Q.With it being the holiday season Gary, what is your favorite song during this time of the season?
A.”What a Wonderful World” Happy holiday’s.
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