The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) in New Orleans’ historic Ninth Ward has transformed its educational approach through a groundbreaking partnership with Apple, integrating technology with music education to create new opportunities for underprivileged students.

In a pioneering collaboration launched in 2019, Apple has equipped EMCM with iPads, computers, and software, enabling students aged 8-18 to explore both musical artistry and technological innovation. The program combines traditional music education with coding classes, audio engineering, and creativity tools.

“It’s all connected — it’s part of a digital tapestry,” explains Lisa Dabney, EMCM’s executive director. “We’re closing the digital divide by giving students access to technology and introducing them to diverse, long-term career opportunities in music technology and beyond.”

The centre’s curriculum now features a unique blend of traditional piano lessons and modern tech education. Students learn coding basics through Apple’s Everyone Can Code and Swift Playgrounds frameworks, while also mastering audio engineering using professional tools like Logic Pro and GarageBand.

For students like Jacob Jones Jr., a high school senior multi-instrumentalist, the technology integration has revolutionized his approach to music creation. “GarageBand is essential to me,” Jones shares. “I can capture melodies instantly on my iPhone and develop them into complete songs.”

The impact extends beyond EMCM. Arts New Orleans, another Apple community partner, has empowered young artists to design a 6,600-square-foot mural using iPad and Apple Pencil with the Procreate app. The project, created by 19 students through the Young Artist Movement (YAM), will be displayed at the Orleans Justice Center.

Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, emphasizes the company’s commitment: “We love to see technology and creativity supporting one another, especially in my hometown of New Orleans. Our teams are excited to continue working with our community partners and the talented youth who light up this city.”

The program also serves as a pathway to professional opportunities. Dr. Daryl Dickerson, EMCM’s director of music education, notes: “Here in New Orleans, we have hotels, clubs, conventions, and more festivals than anybody in the world. They all need audio expertise, and these skills can evolve into lifelong careers.”

Looking ahead, EMCM plans to expand its technological offerings further, with upcoming podcasting classes joining their existing suite of digital education programs. This continued evolution ensures that New Orleans’ next generation of creative talents will be equipped with both artistic and technical skills for future success.

News Source: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/new-orleans-students-showcase-their-creativity-with-ipad-and-mac/