DJ Jazzy Jeff Launches Music Production Program, Command Central: Making Beats

This past spring, two-time GRAMMY-award winning producer DJ Jazzy Jeff launched his debut online music producing program, Command Central: Making Beats. The Making Beats program bridges accessibility gaps for emerging creatives in the music community. 

Powered by CafeMedia, the six-week online program provides students the resources to build the core foundational skills for music production. Jeff said he wanted to team with the company because their "goal in helping bring creators and their businesses together was very in line with what I envisioned for the industry."

Each week develops participants’ beat making skills through video module lessons ranging from drums, melody, arrangements, mixing, and sampling which participants will then apply to their own produced tracks.

Special guests and Jeff's peers within the industry will join students throughout the program. Artists such as 14KT, James Poyser, Stro Elliot and Ivan Baris shared their experiences and musical knowledge. Students also have opportunity to have their produced work played in DJ Jazzy Jeff’s live DJ sets. The hip-hop icon hosts his sessions on YouTube and Instagram Live each Wednesday at 12 pm EST and Saturdays at 3 pm EST.

By the end of the program, students will be equipped with three finished tracks of their own along with newly cultivated production skills.

WYE spoke with DJ Jazzy Jeff on the framework and outlook on the production program.

Where did the idea of launching Command Central: Making Beats stem from?

We’ve had a lot of success over the years with various events connecting folks in the industry and I wanted to build further a full educational program to bring more opportunities to these people once I saw the positive impact.

Why is it important to you to launch the program?

I have been in this industry for a long time and wanted to extend the knowledge and experience I’ve been lucky to cultivate back to the community. It's important for me to pass these lessons down because I know how much impact a little guidance can have on the next generation of creatives.

How will the program help usher in the next generation of producers?

I think there’s major opportunity for more developed programs dedicated to record producing. We’re giving folks an experience that’s unfortunately is not as accessible as it should be when it comes to building these core foundational skills. I want to inspire people with this program. We’re here to uplift each other and grow together.

What are you looking forward to the most with Command Central?

I'm interested in bringing in new faces and the younger generation to this side of music. I’m excited for participants to feel empowered to get out of their comfort zone in this program and hopefully plant the seed for many to pursue this full time. If I can positively affect someone’s life and their career journey, that’s something special and something I’m looking forward to.