Grammy Award-winning producer Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis, whose career includes collaborations with the Fugees, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Carlos Santana, Beyonce, Whitney Houston is giving back to his community.
He continues to give back to his New Jersey roots through the Platinum Sound Academy, an immersive summer program with Newark Public Schools Newark High Schools for students grades 9 – 12.
The students are from West Side High School, East Side High School, Barringer High School, Arts High School, Newark School of Global Studies and Technology High School.
Now in its fourth year, the three-week music and entertainment intensive gives students access to opportunities that extend far beyond the spotlight. Based at Wonda’s renowned Platinum Sound Recording Studios in New York City, the Academy places young people inside a professional creative environment where they receive hands-on instruction from Wonda and other respected industry professionals.
Throughout the program, students learn the fundamentals of songwriting, music production, recording and audio engineering, while also exploring the business behind the music—including publishing, licensing, royalties, distribution, artist development, management, content creation and emerging technology.
“For many young people, the dream begins with becoming a performer—but the music industry offers so many meaningful careers behind the scenes,” said Wonda. “Platinum Sound Academy allows students to discover those opportunities, develop their talents and understand the business of turning creativity into a career. I want them to see that there is a place for them in this industry.”
This summer, students also stepped outside the recording studio for educational visits to two leading music-industry organizations and also visited BMI, where they learned about music publishing, performing rights, songwriting and how creators are compensated for their work.
The program culminates in the creation of an original song and music video developed collaboratively by the students. From writing and recording to performing and producing visual content, the final project allows participants to apply what they have learned while experiencing the complete creative process.
Raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Wonda has built an acclaimed career as a producer, musician and entrepreneur. Through Platinum Sound Academy, he is using his experience, professional relationships and recording studio to create a pathway for the next generation of artists, executives, engineers, producers and innovators.
