For Charles “C.J.” Solomon, a young guitarist from Newark’s Arts High School, stepping into the control room of Platinum Sound Studios in New York City was a moment of high pressure and high reward. Standing before multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Jerry Wonda and a roomful of his peers, C.J. picked up an electric guitar and began laying down tracks under the guidance of a legend who has shaped hits for Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, The Fugees, and Justin Bieber.
C.J.’s studio session was part of the Platinum Sound Academy, a transformative five-day summer program offered by Newark Public Schools (NPS) to give district high schoolers an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at both the creative and business sides of the music industry.
While learning how to record and produce music was a core component, the academy drilled deeply into the mechanics of the modern entertainment industry. Through Wonda and a lineup of top industry professionals, students explored music licensing, publishing, distribution, and royalties.
Highlights of the program included:
- A VIP tour of Sony Music Entertainment’s headquarters.
- A virtual mentoring session with Grammy-winning artist and producer Wyclef Jean.
- An educational workshop with Jamie Dominguez of The Mechanical Licensing Collective, teaching students how songwriters and rights holders earn income from streaming and downloads.
- Graduation packages featuring program certificates and a copy of Donald S. Passman’s definitive guide, “All You Need To Know About The Music Business.”
Newark Public Schools leadership emphasized that the program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional corridors, giving local youth a head start in a competitive field.
“Newark has given the world some of its most influential musicians, and programs like the Platinum Sound Academy ensure that the next generation has the knowledge, confidence and professional connections to continue that legacy,” Superintendent Roger León said, noting Newark’s rich history of musical icons such as Whitney Houston, Sarah Vaughan, and Wayne Shorter. “The reason why we’re doing this is we believe in you. We’re also saying, ‘Hurry up. You don’t have to wait. You can demonstrate that great talent right now.’”
Board of Education President Hasani Council echoed that sentiment, praising the initiative for taking education beyond traditional bounds. “Our students are not only learning how music is created; they are gaining valuable insight into the business, technology and teamwork behind a successful career in the industry.”
