Newark Students Get Live Production Experience with Grammy-Winner Jerry Wonda
In a week that turned a Newark high‑school hallway into a professional studio, students from the district’s Platinum Sound Academy stepped into the world of music production. The five‑day program, held at Platinum Sound Studios, gave high‑schoolers hands‑on exposure to recording, licensing, publishing, distribution and royalties, culminating in a live session with multi‑Grammy‑winning producer Jerry Wonda.
The centerpiece of the week was a recording session that saw Arts High School guitarist Charles “C.J.” Solomon stand in the control room, playing an electric guitar over a backing track. Wonda, whose résumé includes work with Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, Shakira, The Fugees and Justin Bieber, guided the student through several takes while a crowd of at least 20 Newark Public Schools students watched. The producer’s feedback—“Your mind is thinking too much. Do it again,” and “Give me something else”—prompted Solomon to explore the fretboard more freely, earning a take that drew applause from his peers.
The Academy’s curriculum is designed to immerse participants in both the creative and business sides of the industry. Students received instruction on recording techniques, production workflow, music licensing, publishing, distribution, royalties and the variety of careers that exist beyond performing. The program also included a tour of Sony Music Entertainment’s headquarters and a virtual conversation with Grammy‑winning artist and producer Wyclef Jean.
Jamie Dominguez of The Mechanical Licensing Collective explained how royalties are collected and how musicians, songwriters and other rights holders earn income from streaming and downloads. The collective’s role in managing mechanical royalties was highlighted as a key learning point for students interested in the business side of music.
Superintendent León praised the initiative, noting that the program “ensures that the next generation has the knowledge, confidence and professional connections to continue that legacy.” He also cited Newark’s rich musical heritage, naming Sarah Vaughn, Connie Francis, Whitney Houston, Melba Moore, Frankie Negron, Kat Deluna and Wayne Shorter as examples of the city’s influence. Board of Education President Hasani K. Council added that the district “is proud to support experiences that take learning beyond the classroom and introduce students to professionals working at the highest levels of their fields.”
At the end of the five days, participants were awarded certificates of completion and received a copy of Donald S. Passman’s book All You Need To Know About The Music Business, widely regarded as the definitive guide to the industry. The program’s structure—combining studio work, industry lectures and real‑world business instruction—provides students with a realistic view of the music profession and the skills required to succeed.
The Platinum Sound Academy’s first cohort concluded with students demonstrating the techniques and knowledge gained during the week. While the district has not yet announced a schedule for future iterations, the success of the inaugural program suggests that Newark Public Schools will likely continue to offer similar industry‑focused experiences to its students.
The initiative underscores the district’s commitment to providing practical, career‑ready education in the arts and highlights the value of partnerships between public schools and established music professionals.
