A popular music program at Abington Senior High School is gaining national recognition for helping students learn what it is like to set up their own record label, writes Katherine Scott for 6abc.

The Modern Music Makers program dubbed “M3” teaches students what goes into establishing a record label and how to create and record music to upload for streaming.

“The idea is to give them the opportunity and agency to make the kind of music they want to do,” said program director Kevin Longwill who is a two-time Grammy nominee.

What started as a pandemic virtual learning project has flourished into so much more as students grew excited to do more.

“We were making beats. We told Mr. Longwill we’d like the opportunity to perform, and that’s when I really got into it,” said senior singer/songwriter Taylor Shore.

In the program, students are not only performing, but recording, producing, and editing.

Longwill has been named to the Yamaha “40 Under 40” Music Education Advocacy program for 2024 which honors educators who are making a difference in growing and strengthening music programs.

M3 received national recognition last year when it was named an Advocacy in Action Award winner by Music for All.

Read more about the Modern Music Makers program at Abington Senior High School and how it is transforming music education at 6abc.

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