BCG had the chance to meet-up with Oren Rosenbaum, CEO of P’Tones Records After- School Music program bringing together youth in urban communities. Some of the celebs that serve as spokespeople include: Lil’ Wayne, Nas, Talib Kweli, Wale, Kevin Durant., Cool & Dre, and Drumma Boy. P’Tones Records is an after-school music program, strategically aligned with Warner Music Group, for urban high school youth that provides access to semi-professional music studios and an education on how to run a fully functional record label. Its 6-course curriculum covers Artists & Repertoire (production and lyric development), Video Production (interviews, webisodes, and music videos), Music Production (and vocals), Music Engineering, New Media (online Marketing and Publicity), and Creative (art). The program is run by college interns and celebrity spokespeople, and not only provides insight into the music industry but also the business world and beyond. Each semester the students work to create an album, mix-tapes and a music video. P’Tones partners up with local community centers and universities to run the program and opens each new location based on donations and charitable funding. Each location is self-sustaining once it is opened, and students who excel in the curriculum are eligible for college scholarships and internships at a major record label.
BCG: Tell me more about the movement? How did it get started? What drives your passion behind your cause?
Oren Rosenbaum: PTones started when I was 15/16, I thought of the idea in a friends basement, as I was helping to bring rappers from all over NJ/PA to come in and rap. I realized that for each one artist who would drive up to an hour and a half just to get into this makeshift basement studio there were 4 other friends who were their “manager” “A&R” or “producer.” I spent that following summer pitching an idea to open studios in urban area to allow kids to make music for free to every music related company (labels, stores, etc), but being 16 with no experience no one gave me the time of day, until an executive from Def Jam reached out and said to come do an internship and learn about the industry. This gave me my start, and allowed me to learn about the different depts of the music ind. With this experience I created a curriculum and applied for my first grant. I opened my first studio in Trenton, NJ and within a few months I flew down to North Carolina to open my second. These two programs served as my pilot programs to learn about how to run the program. I also was able to get my first spokesperson, 9th Wonder through the NC program.
I love music, but I have no ability to create it. It fueled me to be able to be around the music and see college students mentor these young high schoolers and both be able to do something they love to do.
BCG: What annual events do you host to bring awareness/fund-raise?
Oren Rosenbaum: We really only do open houses for our programs, we have never had a fund-raising event!
BCG: No fund-raisers, not yet any way right, lol. How can others get involved with your cause within the local community? What cities is the program currently operating in?
Oren Rosenbaum: Very soon, Currently the only way to get involved with our program outside of monetary support is to create awareness for high school students and college students to sign up as students and interns respectively; or introduce PTones to any established artsits and producers in the industry! We have 3 (Harlem, NY; Washington DC; Miami, FL) after school music studios up and running and we are currently fundraising for our Los Angeles branch.
BCG: What are your major accomplishments/awards?
Oren Rosenbaum: We are extremely lucky to be partnered with Warner Music Group, and the spokespeople who support us such as: Lil Wayne, Kevin Durant, Nas, Cool & Dre, Drumma Boy etc.
BCG:What final words of wisdom would you’d like to share with our readers?
Oren Rosenbaum: As long as you want to make it happen you can do it!
BCG:Anything additional you’d like to add?
Oren Rosenbaum: Like us on facebook! And spread the word!
BCG:Where can we find out more information about your charity?
Oren Rosenbaum: ptonesrecords.com or ptonesrecords.tumblr.com
BCG: Bonus question: Our motto is: “Giving Back is Good for the Soul,” mean does that mean to you?
Oren Rosenbaum: You know when you are providing an opportunity for someone else who is appreciative both parties benefit. And it feels great to know that and feel that way.
Be sure to visit ptonesrecords.com to learn how you can get involved or donate.
