No matter the genre, teens listen to and make music that impacts their lives. Using music as an outlet and a form of expression, music could have a positive impact. While there are many teens who have a passion for music, using a studio may not be in their budget.
At King, Dan Wolford is the founder and instructor of Lyrical Crusaders, an after-school program that provides students with support and equipment to make music.
“One of my professors at MSU was interested in studying hip hop and how hip hop can be used for teaching,” Wolford said. “He and I connected over music because he found out that I made music and was trying to become a teacher. He gave me a bunch of research that was all of the leading researchers in hip-hop education and a couple of books I have read on building spaces where hip hop can be accepted into schools. My way of doing that was to build a club in which hip hop can exist safely and productively where students can grow through hip hop.”
Students interact with others and bond over their interest in music. Senior Tamia Merriweather said she joined Lyrical Crusaders to express her passion for music.
“Music makes me feel a range of emotions anywhere from happy to sad,” Merriweather said. “Lyrical Crusaders helps me identify different sounds in music and how to create different types of music. Lyrical Crusaders has created a safe space for people like me who have a love for music and for people who want to learn how to make music.”
Currently enrolled in the University of Kentucky, Wolford is studying and writing his dissertation on hip-hop clubs.
“I am studying hip hop clubs and how they help students process the world around them and become leaders and possibly think about engaging in a community,” Wolford said. “I would love to see more clubs and spaces like Lyrical Crusaders exist around the country because what I have seen is how it has impacted students positively.”
