STAY TUNED FOR RSMW’s Second Workshop + EP launching in 2025!
“Empowering young musicians to write, record and release their original music (all genres welcome) at no cost to them or their families. All songs have copyright under their name (or guardian), then released with all proceeds going to the young artists.
OUR MISSION
Rising Star Music Workshop: Empowering the Next Generation of Musicians
At Rising Star Music Workshop, we believe in the transformative power of music. Our mission is to provide young, passionate musicians with a collaborative, hands-on experience that bridges the gap between creative exploration and professional artistry. By fostering a supportive and inspiring environment, we aim to cultivate not just exceptional musicianship but also a deeper understanding of the collaborative spirit that defines great bands and artistic communities. Our workshop offers a unique, start-to-finish journey into the world of music creation. Over the course of the program, participants work side-by-side with peers and experienced teaching mentors, learning the intricacies of songwriting, improvisation, and recording. This process culminates in a professional recording session at The Creamery Studio in Brooklyn, NY, where these young artists will create an EP of original music. From the first spark of an idea to the final mastered track, we guide our musicians through every step—writing, recording, copyrighting, and releasing their work to the world.
Rising Star Music Workshop: inspiring collaboration, creativity, and growth —one EP at a time. The Rising Star Music Workshop is more than a program—it’s an experience designed to leave a lasting impact. Through one-on-one mentorship and group collaboration, young musicians gain the tools, confidence, and inspiration to continue their artistic pursuits with curiosity and passion. The EP they create is not just a recording but a symbol of their creativity and teamwork, marking the beginning of a lifelong musical journey. At Rising Star, we understand that collaboration is the cornerstone of great music. Drawing from our experience in unconventional musical forms, unique instrumentation, and ensemble-focused compositional approaches, we instill in our participants a sense of community and shared purpose. Whether it’s learning to blend diverse instruments, experimenting with improvisation, or navigating the dynamics of a recording studio, our young musicians leave with skills that will serve them well beyond the workshop. When the last note is played, and the EP is released into the world, our goal is for each participant to feel an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. They leave not only as better musicians but also as artists equipped with the confidence to continue their journey in music, ready to reach for more and inspire others.
WHY?
Rising Star Music Workshop: Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams
Music has the power to transform lives, but too often, the barriers of cost and access stand in the way of young talent reaching its full potential. At Rising Star Music Workshop, we are committed to breaking down these barriers. We bring the gift of music education directly to students in their communities—on their turf—at absolutely no cost to them, their families, or their schools. While northern New Jersey is home to a variety of after-school music programs, none match Rising Star’s approach to accessibility and inclusiveness. We recognize that many families face significant challenges when it comes to affording private lessons or enrolling in music programs. For some, the lack of quality public transportation compounds the difficulty of reaching these opportunities. Rising Star bridges this gap, delivering an enriching musical experience that meets students where they are, both physically and financially. Our mission goes beyond simply teaching music. We aim to create a sense of equity and opportunity in the arts, ensuring that no aspiring musician is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. By removing financial and logistical obstacles, we empower young artists to focus solely on their creativity, collaboration, and growth. In these workshops, students not only hone their technical skills but also experience the joy of shared artistic achievement. They write, rehearse, and record original music as part of a team, culminating in the production of a professionally recorded EP. This is more than an educational experience; it’s a transformative journey that equips them with lifelong skills and memories.Rising Star Music Workshop is about more than making music. It’s about creating opportunities, fostering collaboration, and giving young musicians the chance to dream big—regardless of their circumstances. Together, we’re proving that talent and passion, when met with access and support, can shine brighter than ever.
MUSICIANS & PARTNERS
Rising Star Music Workshop: Partnering to Inspire the Next Generation of Musicians
At Rising Star Music Workshop, partnerships are at the heart of our mission to empower young musicians. For our pilot program, we proudly collaborated with music educator Rich Poletchek and the talented students from Dr. Lena Edwards Charter School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Together, we created an environment where students could explore songwriting, improvisation, and recording while learning the invaluable skills of teamwork and collaboration. Our young musicians are driven by a deep curiosity to understand the broader aspects of music creation. They thrive on the challenge of working together to bring original ideas to life, whether crafting their own songs or building on the contributions of their band mates. At Rising Star, we nurture this collaborative spirit in a motivating and supportive atmosphere designed to spark creativity and foster growth. Through this program, participants gain more than technical knowledge—they experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful with their peers. From brainstorming melodies to the final recording session, the journey culminates in the release of their first professionally recorded EP. This tangible accomplishment serves as a powerful reminder of what they can achieve when they work together, leaving them inspired to continue pursuing music with renewed passion and curiosity.