The José Milton Recording Studio has become a hub for all students across Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). This recording studio is in the heart of the Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer. Established in 2018 through the José Milton Foundation, this futuristic music recording facility now provides aspiring musicians with a professional recording facility at no prohibitive costs often associated with such activities.
This state-of-the-art studio is not just a recording purpose but also a place to discover and nurture artistic creativity and encourage collaborative efforts among students. The studio is paving the way for them to succeed in the competitive music arena by empowering young artists with access to top-notch equipment and resources.
A Collaborative Vision for Student Success
Ryan Ellis, magnet teacher and coach at Miami Arts Studio (MAS), has highlighted that the studio’s mission is to empower students through real-world experiences. Ellis explained, “We sat around a table with students, teachers, and music professionals to see how we could best use the facilities to help kids get a leg up in the industry, get some real-life experience, and encourage student songwriters.”
This collaborative effort has resulted in a facility that not only meets professional standards of recording music but also nurtures the unique talents of aspiring young artists.
A Studio Equipped for the Future
The José Milton Recording Studio offers cutting-edge technology catering to diverse musical styles. From industry-standard Pro Tools software to a wide range of high-quality instruments, the studio provides access to all tools that help students experiment and refine their skills.
Emphasizing the equipment standards at the studio, Ellis shared, “We have the industry standard for recording.” He added, “Through the Latin GRAMMY Foundation and Gibson Gives, we got about $15,000 worth of instruments just to give the students the best sound possible.”
The advanced setup of the studio also provides students with a professional environment necessary to develop a competitive edge in their musical pursuits.
A Space for All M-DCPS Students
Accessibility is the central aspect of this recording studio. Open to all M-DCPS students, the facility promotes inclusivity by welcoming young talents from various backgrounds to collaborate and thrive.
Melissa Cruz, a MAS student and lead singer of the salsa band Melodía y Rumba, highlighted the transformative impact of the studio on her musical journey. “Here at the José Milton Recording Studio, we’re able to use a lot of expensive equipment that a lot of people don’t have, especially at our age,” Cruz said. “It all helps your project and song reach its maximum potential.”
Cruz and her band found the studio an invaluable outlet for their creativity, enabling them to move from songwriting sessions to full-fledged performances.
How Students Can Access the Studio
Students eager to record at the José Milton Recording Studio must visit the MAS website at mas.dadeschools.net. The “Book The Studio” link guides them through the application process, which includes a brief audition and a video submission.
Due to high demand, this structured process ensures the studio remains accessible to many talented individuals across Miami-Dade County.
A Much-Needed Facility for Miami’s Young Artists
The José Milton Recording Studio is not just a music recording facility but a ray of hope for Miami’s artistic community. The studio reflects the transformative power of education and opportunity, turning the dreams of aspiring artists into reality.
It combines top-notch equipment, professional support, and a welcoming atmosphere to ensure that M-DCPS remains a nurturing ground for the next generation of musicians. Students who walk out of this studio have polished recordings, regained confidence, and refined skills to pursue careers in the music industry.
