Kevin Smith is the musician and recipient of the 2023 Katie Kurcz Memorial Fund. His journey is not merely about personal growth but also about transforming the landscape of music education, one beat at a time. Kevin’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of his fervent passion for electronic music. Driven by the desire to unravel the intricacies of music production, he embarked on a quest to master the nuances of Ableton Live recording software and the Ableton Push 2 controller. With the aid of the award funds, Kevin ventured into uncharted territory, determined to conquer the complexities that lay before him.
The initial stages of Kevin’s journey were marked by challenges, as he grappled with the intricacies of Ableton’s interface. However, armed with determination and a trove of instructional resources, he navigated through the labyrinthine depths of the software. Through meticulously curated tutorials and collaborative efforts with teaching assistants, Kevin honed his skills, gradually metamorphosing into a maestro of electronic music production.
Caption: Kevin and one of his students explore a combination of traditional and digital musical instruments.
Central to Kevin’s pedagogical approach was the development of immersive workshops aimed at demystifying the art of beat and song creation. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, Kevin fostered an environment conducive to experimentation and exploration. The Ableton Push 2 emerged as a beacon of innovation, its intuitive interface and dynamic visual feedback serving as catalysts for musical enlightenment.
“Since introducing it to students in August, I have taught 18 individual workshops focusing on the Push and beat/song creation. The Push has also become a staple in my weekly classes with the adolescent psychology unit at UIC. These classes have been a lot of fun. Each week a class of 5-9 kids works together to create a new song.” – Kevin Smith
The hallmark of Kevin’s endeavors lies in his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Beyond traditional classroom settings, he extended his expertise to the adolescent psychology unit at UIC, where music became a conduit for healing and self-expression. Empowering students to unleash their creative potential, Kevin facilitated collaborative songwriting sessions, igniting sparks of inspiration within the confines of hospital rooms.
Caption: Kevin and one of his students explore a combination of traditional and digital musical instruments.
The Ableton Push 2, with its illuminated interface and tactile feedback, emerged as a beacon of creativity, illuminating the path towards musical proficiency. Through Kevin’s guidance, students embarked on a transformative journey, transcending boundaries and embracing the boundless possibilities of electronic music.
In retrospect, Kevin’s odyssey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Armed with the 2023 Katie Kurcz Memorial Award, he embarked on a voyage of self-discovery, illuminating minds and nurturing the talents of Snow City Arts students along the way. As we reflect on Kevin’s experience, we are reminded of the profound impact of music as a universal language—one that transcends barriers and unites souls in harmony.
“In all, I have found the Push to be a fun and helpful teaching tool. It allows students to see how professional level beats and songs are created, and it gives them an authentic studio experience in their own hospital rooms.” – Kevin Smith
Want to help teaching artists like Kevin expand their own practice and create innovative new workshops for Snow City Arts students? Donate to the Katie Kurcz Memorial Fund today!
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