Six students from My Day Counts graduated from RYTMO on July 24th with a Certificate in Music and Music Technology. This was the first semester RYTMO has offered a class through My Day Counts, an organization whose mission is to train people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities for success in life and work, by offering a range of educational programs and training certificates.
The students learned about the basics of songwriting, how to write a “hook” and an advertising jingle, and then created their own jingles. Additionally, they learned about music arrangement – the way sounds are put together to make a song – and came up with their own unique melodies to their songs. The students were also taught about the music publishing and how to use music technology to create their own composition; this included working with an advanced Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to compose, produce, mix, and master their own music. One assignment included researching a music career they’re interested in pursuing and presenting on it. They also had the opportunity to create their own drum beats and chord progressions and utilize multiple instruments in one composition. Several of the participants even performed the songs they had written.
The RYTMO program took place two days a week at the My Day Counts site and was facilitated by Mark Roos and Mike Anderson, who both found it to be very successful. Certificates were presented by Mark and Mike in front of a full audience of peers, parents, and teachers.
“It was so gratifying to see the students showcase their work at the beginning and end of the graduation, and hear firsthand about their success with the program, at both the ceremony and in the graduation video presentation,” Mark said. The graduation video – which includes interviews with Mark and Mike – can be viewed below.
The RYTMO graduation was included as part of My Day Count’s annual graduation ceremony, which saw participants be presented with a range of awards and certificates such as Driver’s Education, Pathway to Excellence, the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and the Ola Mae Murphy Award of Excellence. In total, 28 individuals were recognized and it was the first time My Day Counts participants earned a certificate in music. RYTMO graduate, Angelica, delivered a heartwarming speech about her experience which can be viewed below.
A new round of songwriting classes started on Friday, August 16th with a new group of clients. Both RYTMO and My Day Counts are looking forward to continuing to develop and expand this wonderful program!
To learn more about the program and hear Angelica’s speech, check out our videos below.
