A Music Podcast Amplifying Youth Voices!
Hosted and led by young people from across the United States, Blank Note Podcast is a 3-Part series providing a relatable glimpse into the world of young musicians as they connect with professional musicians and industry leaders.
Whether they're delving into the intricacies of the songwriting process or exploring the path to making music a full-time career, these conversations are set to inspire, educate, and entertain aspiring musicians of all ages while exploring the diverse world of music.
Stream the Blank Note Podcast
Meet the Youth Hosts
In this electrifying music podcast, the participating youth hosts are Terrance Harris (age 16) from D.M. Therrell High School (Georgia), Nadia Johnson (age 18) from Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, and Justin Littleton (age 16) from Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School District (Mississippi).
Through podcast training sessions focused on leveraging tools for effective communication and storytelling, these youth worked together to design the Blank Note podcast. We celebrate their phenomenal work!
Connecting Youth to Music Industry Leaders
The Blank Note podcast includes interviews with professional musicians and industry leaders Kirk Franklin, Nate Werth, and Braxton Cook.
BLANK NOTE PODCAST Episodes:
Episode 01: Behind The Music with Braxton Cook
Host Terrance Harris sits down with Emmy-winning saxophonist and singer-songwriter, Braxton Cook. They delve into Braxton's journey, from his relentless dedication to the saxophone during his formative years to his ever-evolving musical expression that reflects his life experiences.
Released 02/27/2024
Episode 02: Beating Burnout with Nate Werth
Host Justin Littleton chats with Nate Werth, the percussionist of Snarky Puppy and Ghost-Note. Together, they explore how Nate turned his passion into a career, staying inspired and avoiding burnout while balancing a life filled with touring, recording, and creative endeavors.
Release Date: 03/05/2024
Episode 03: Making an Impact with Kirk Franklin
Host Nadia Johnson interviews 20 Grammy Award-winning songwriter choir director, gospel singer, and rapper Kirk Franklin, delving deep into his creative process and collaborations with fellow artists. The episode explores the transcendent power of music, discussing its profound impact on the world, going beyond just notes and rhythm.
Release Date: 03/12/2024
The Lewis Prize for Music and Save The Music Foundation have teamed up to launch this innovative music podcast series to elevate youth voices across the United States. This initiative fosters connections between young musicians and industry experts, offering enriching opportunities that promote their personal and professional development in music and beyond.
Podcast Production Team
Kenneth Courtney, The Lewis Prize for Music
Hallie Cross, Save the Music Foundation
Zack Flores, Save the Music Foundation
Shenika Ofor, The Lewis Prize for Music
Kerrianne Thomas, Youth Voice Podcast Producer
About Save The Music
Save The Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. For 25 years, Save The Music (STM) has addressed the systemic inequities in music education by investing in culturally rich communities across the US. Since its inception, STM has donated $75M worth of instruments and technology to over 2,700 schools – impacting millions of students' lives in hundreds of communities nationwide. And we’re just getting started! Learn more at savethemusic.org.
About The Lewis Prize for Music
The Lewis Prize for Music supports exemplary leaders across the United States who use music for positive and equitable systems change. Founded in 2017 by philanthropist Daniel R. Lewis and CEO Dalouge Smith, The Lewis Prize focuses on Creative Youth Development (CYD) organizations, which merge positive youth development with artistic development in settings prioritizing equity, youth voice, and collective action. Through awards, grants, and research, The Lewis Prize advocates and supports young people in communities across the country.
