The Sound Asylum
DJ Academy, Podcasting & Music Production Program
The Sound Asylum is an innovative program offered as an elective course to our students at Truman Middle College. Consisting of Podcasting, Audio Engineering, Intro to Music Production and the DJ Academy, these unique programs provide access to underserved youth, merging education with innovation and technology.
Established in 2023, the program provides students with hands-on training by industry professionals with over 30+ years of experience in professional DJing, music production, audio engineering, and digital media using industry standard professional-grade equipment.
Rooted in Chicago’s rich legacy of music and cultural innovation, the Sound Asylum exposes both students and community stakeholders to authentic learning experiences through mentorship from music industry professionals, artists, producers, and DJs. The program empowers students to develop technical skills, creative expression, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking while exploring career pathways in music, entertainment, and technology.
More than a music program, Sound Asylum serves as a creative incubator where students discover their talents, build confidence, and transform their passion for music into opportunities for future success.
Program Vision and Leadership
The Sound Asylum DJ & Music Production Program was founded by Gershon Jackson, an innovator in alternative education, internationally respected producer, recording artist, label owner and DJ. Drawing upon his extensive experience in both education and the music industry, Principal Jackson created the Sound Asylum to harness the transformative power of music and technology as a vehicle for student growth, engagement, and opportunity.
His vision is to use these programs as a catalyst to:
- improve student growth (achievement) by leveraging innovative programs
- Inspire creativity and self-expression
- Build community and foster positive relationships
- Increase student engagement & school connectivity via inter-disciplinary activities
- Connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities and career pathways
Principal Jackson believes that providing students access to post-secondary, entrepreneurial, emerging technologies, and professional networks helps them develop the skills, confidence, and vision necessary to achieve success beyond graduation. Through the Sound Asylum, students are empowered to explore their passions, discover new possibilities, and prepare for meaningful futures in an ever-evolving global economy.
Student Opportunities
Through The Sound Asylum Music Program, students have opportunities to:
- Develop technical, creative, and artistic skills in Podcasting, the Art of DJing, Music Production and Audio Engineering (DAW)
- Collaborate with peers, mentors, and community partners across diverse age groups and backgrounds
- Participate in live performances, music showcases, and special events
- Explore career pathways in music, entertainment, media, technology, and entrepreneurship
- Build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills through project-based learning
The program also offers immersive learning experiences, including intensive introductory Podcasting, DJing, Audio Engineering and Music Production Boot Camps, where students receive hands-on instruction and mentorship from industry professionals. These experiences provide real-world exposure to music production, performance techniques, audio engineering, and the business of the music industry, helping students translate their passion into meaningful educational and career opportunities.
Program Overview
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
Sound Asylum provides students with real-world, hands-on training in:
- DJ mixing and performance
- Music production and sound design
- Digital audio tools and software
- Creative collaboration and live performance
The program complements traditional music education by combining theory, instrumentation, and digital production, preparing students for both college and career pathways in the music industry.
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
The Sound Asylum Lab is equipped with professional-grade DJ and music production equipment, giving students access to industry-standard tools through:
- Workshops
- Small group instruction
- One-on-one mentorship
students learn directly from experienced professionals in the music industry.
Rooted in Chicago’s House Music Legacy
Rooted in Chicago’s House Music Legacy
Chicago is the birthplace of house music, and Sound Asylum celebrates that legacy by connecting students with legendary DJs, producers, and artists.
Students have unique opportunities to:
- Learn from internationally recognized professionals
- Collaborate with peers and artists
- Participate in live showcases and events
This connection ensures stude
Chicago is the birthplace of house music, and Sound Asylum celebrates that legacy by connecting students with legendary DJs, producers, and artists.
Students have unique opportunities to:
- Learn from internationally recognized professionals
- Collaborate with peers and artists
- Participate in live showcases and events
This connection ensures students not only learn technical skills but also become part of a living cultural movement.
The partnership between Sound Asylum and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago represents a powerful collaboration rooted in creativity, opportunity, and youth empowerment. Together, our organizations are committed to expanding access to high-quality arts education and workforce-connected learning experiences for young people throughout the Uptown and Chicagoland area.
Founded by educator, principal, and internationally recognized DJ and music producer Gershon Jackson, the Sound Asylum was created from the belief that music, technology, and culture can serve as transformational tools for engagement, education, and personal growth. Through this partnership, the Sound Asylum extends that mission beyond the traditional classroom and into community spaces where young people can discover new talents, develop confidence, and imagine broader possibilities for their future.
Through hands-on experiences in DJing, music production, podcasting, digital media, and audio technology, participants gain exposure to professional-grade equipment, industry practices, and creative expression in an environment designed to be inclusive, culturally responsive, and inspiring.
This partnership is especially meaningful because it intentionally connects youth development with real-world pathways. Students are not simply learning technical skills, they are developing collaboration, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. Participants engage in project-based experiences that encourage them to create original work, showcase their talents, and build transferable skills that support college, career, and life readiness.
Rooted in Chicago’s rich musical heritage and innovative spirit, Sound Asylum and the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago seek to create equitable access to experiences that are often unavailable to historically underserved communities. By introducing young people to creative industries and emerging technologies, this partnership opens doors to future opportunities while strengthening identity, belonging, and self-expression.
Together, the Sound Asylum and the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago are shaping a new generation of creators, innovators, and leaders, demonstrating that when education, community, and culture intersect, extraordinary outcomes become possible.
