TR
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Press of the Month; July 2022
The Drum Culture Academy
DCA was founded by Aaron "Memphis" Smith, an African-American musician, performer, producer, and entrepreneur who is letting his love for music use him as a light in this world.
How long have you been playing the drums?
"I have been beating on things since I was an infant, but I have been seriously playing drums for 19 years now. I really got my start at my church home back in Memphis."
What made you travel from Memphis to Chicago?
"I relocated from Memphis to stay with my father, in a city 60 miles west of Chicago, when I was 15. I spent a lot of time in Chicago, and I wanted to pursue music in a more musical and challenging environment. That led me to move to Chicago in 2011."
Where did the passion for music come from?
"Honestly, a lot of my family is musically inclined, but I believe that my true passion was transferred to me from my mom. She plays drums, piano and sings."
Aaron "Memphis" Smith, Founder DCA
What is the overall purpose of the DCA program?
"To dedicate our abilities, time and knowledge, to serve & enhance individuals in an altruistic manner."
Aaron or "Memphis" has been working on creating this academy since 2016, but officially launched in 2019 with the help from partners, friends, clients and family. 2016 is when this opportunity began to manifest itself and materialize as Aaron worked as a drum instructor for Vic's Drum Shop located in the Music Garage on 345 N. Loomis Street in Chicago. It is there that his foundation was laid and dreams became a reality. Making connections and understanding his purpose helped make that decision from leaving Memphis to come to Chicago start to feel like a plan rather than a choice.
Is there an age restriction on becoming a part of the academy?
"Yes, the program is designed for students starting at age 5, but Drum Culture has recently made an exception for a very talented 3 year old. With the talent level increasingly starting at a younger age than we're used to seeing, we’ve decided to be open to taking younger students that fit that description."
Currently, due to social distancing DCA is offering virtual classes, to help with parents looking for something their kids can do to let loose some energy and to gain and develop a hidden skill or talent.
The Drum Culture Academy is built on giving back and sharing the love of music with families and youth. It is a business built on the foundation principle of community and learning to lean on positivity and the good will of others to help bolster the life and time we have here in this world. The Drum Culture Academy drives principles of dedication, practice, commitment, excellence, doing your best, and togetherness. All in the efforts of offering kids fun and traits to help them grow and become the best version of themselves.
"5 years from now I see us in our own state of the art facility with the best educators, instructors and gear. I expect the program to be filled with passionate youth eager to get to the next level. I look forward to DCA being in position to fully prepare students in every aspect possible, including: auditions, prestigious music programs and being onstage. We will equip students with marketing tools, business strategies and opportunities and negotiation skills, all in addition to proving the best skills for being a drummer. My vision is pretty enormous for DCA! The program is currently housed in LinkedIn Chicago, where staff members can take music lessons from the comfort of their work environment. Furthermore, within 5 years, we'll have the digital platform to have a global presence.
The vision is to change lives through this program."
