The Vision - By Brandon James, Grace Notes Founder:

 

I wrote my first song when I was 16 years old, and was fortunate enough to have a Jazz band teacher who cared enough to record my first demo when I was a senior in high school. There is so much talent in our youth here in Stockton, and I want to give students a chance to unlock their passion for songwriting and share their music to the world while giving them an amazing life experience: recording a professional album! Matt Young of The Press Recording Studio is making this possible.

 

I recorded my first professional EP in September 2016, and I'm using it to raise money for studio time at The Press Recording Studio for students who have a drive to use their talents for a positive community impact. This is the vision of Grace Notes Music Project: giving students the tools to inspire the world through music.

 

The Program:

 

Through Grace Notes Music Project, students can record their own, original music at The Press Recording Studio free of charge. They will be able to work with Matt Young, a professional producer and audio engineer, for a personal, professional quality 2 hour recording session. The recorded music will be used to fund future recording experiences for San Joaquin County students.

 

Applying for a Grace Notes Recording Experience:

 

Each week, one student will be selected from a pool of applicants to record for the Grace Notes Music Project. Students who apply must fulfill the following requirements:

 

• Be a Stockton resident.

• Be a student no older than 18.

• Post a video of yourself playing an original song on Instagram and tag @gracenotesmusicproject.

• In the caption of your post, answer the following question:

  • How will you use your music to positively impact the community?

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About the Grace Notes team:

 

Brandon James: Brandon James (aka Brandon Piasecki by day, and Mista P when teaching in the classroom) is a local musician who has a passion for mentoring and inspiring youth. After graduating from Franklin High School in 2007, he got his degree in Chemistry with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Redlands in 2011. After teaching for 2 years in Mississippi through the Teach for America program, he returned to his hometown of Stockton in 2013 to continue teaching and give back to the community that raised him up. By day he teaches IB Chemistry at Stockton Collegiate International School in downtown Stockton. He has recorded one EP called Touch the World, and plays shows at several local Stockton venues.

 

Matt Young: Matt Young is the owner of The Press Recording Studio in downtown Stockton, Ca.  He has been a professional audio engineer and studio owner for over 13 years.  He is also a mentor for the Recording Connection and has taught as a recording instructor for 3 schools.  As a freelance audio engineer, he’s worked with artists all over the country, including major acts. Matt is also a musician and has been playing guitar, bass, and drums for over 15 years.  He has shared the stage with artists such as Paramore, Katy Perry, Gym Class Heroes, Killswitch Engage, Thrice, The Living Legends, and Everclear.