EDM Education
The landscape of electronic dance music (EDM) and DJing has traditionally been a realm of self-taught artists, blending formal musicians with tech-savvy enthusiasts. This unique blend has transformed EDM into a democratic art form, accessible to those with classical training and novices alike. The availability of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like GarageBand has opened doors for aspiring musicians without formal training, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.
A prime example of this blend is LP Giobbi, a classically trained pianist in jazz and classical music who transitioned into the EDM world. Giobbi's journey from classical piano to EDM stardom is a testament to the genre's inclusivity. "My classical background was invaluable, but diving into EDM was like exploring a new language of expression," shares Giobbi, highlighting the fluid boundaries of music genres.
Contrastingly, many EDM artists began with no formal music education. These artists, took advantage of the internet to self-educate. World famous Norwegian-British DJ Alan Walker is one such example. "My journey began when I found out about YouTube on how do you make music, and from that, people started explaining me how I had to do it," Walker states, underscoring the crucial role of technology and web access in democratizing music production.
Despite its growing popularity and position within the music industry, EDM still remains underrepresented in traditional music education. While institutions like Juilliard provide electronic music exploration, it is mostly through avant-garde classical compositions, more suited for a symphony hall. This gap in formal education underscores a lingering bias against EDM in traditional music circles.
LP Giobbi, DJ and co-founder of Femme House
Addressing this educational void, EDM artists and tech startups are pioneering new platforms for learning. Online courses akin to MasterClass, led by renowned DJs, provide virtual mentorship. Point Blank Music School in London one such organization, as well as Armin van Buuren with his eponymous program. Hardware and software companies also offer specialized programs with hopes of attracting artists to learn on their systems. Iconic DJs have even founded schools aimed at providing music education to underprivileged youth, particularly in places like Detroit and Chicago the birthplace of house music. Others are looking to expand their reach including Femme House, co-founded by LP Giobbi and hermixalot. Femme House focuses on supporting femme, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ artists, challenging the historical male dominance in EDM.
In summary, the evolution of EDM and DJing from self-taught, technology-driven roots to more structured educational pathways reflects a broader trend of democratization in music. For those interested in exploring EDM production, a plethora of options now exist, from online masterclasses to specialized schools, catering to all levels of experience and backgrounds. This shift not only diversifies the genre but also reinforces the idea that music, in its essence, is a universal language, transcending traditional barriers.
