Whether it’s studio recordings, rehearsals, music lessons or beatmaking, the Brookline Teen Center (BTC) Records program feels like a sampler where one can try all different parts of the music industry and find what they love.
BTC Records allows Brookline teens to play music and become musicians. With free music lessons for kids that allow them to learn instruments and a professional-quality recording studio for releasing original singles, students can explore music from many different angles. They can learn instruments, make beats, record music or join a band and perform live.
Kamoru Gonzalez, a Berklee alumnus who worked at record labels in Miami and Los Angeles, is the music director at the BTC. He guides older students to refine their skills and release music, and teaches young children the basics of actually playing instruments. For his older students, Gonzalez said he wants the program to feel like a professional environment.
“We run a small record label type of structure,” Gonzalez said. “Our idea is for them to feel super empowered and believe in their compositions, believe in their talent.”
Senior Oliver Mindreau is a prime example of the opportunities the program provides, on the cusp of releasing his first single, a synth pop song, through the BTC Records program. Mindreau also performs live with the BTC house band.
Senior Aleksandra Betts, who performs covers of varying genres with her four bandmates, said the BTC gives her the space to rehearse and spend time with her friends.
“It’s just being with the band in a really comfortable space,” Betts said. “Going there every week, having that routine, it’s really special.”
When students need help or want to focus on a specific aspect of their craft, Gonzalez is there to help. Gonzalez said his experience in music helps him guide students to achieve their goals and improve in their craft.
“So our idea is for them to feel super empowered, believe in their compositions, believe in their talent,” Gonzalez said. “If they want to know more about synthesizers, we take one session for synthesizers; if they want to know more about mixing, we take one session for that.”
Beyond allowing students to rehearse pieces and hone their skills, BTC Records does so free of charge.
“You shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money because it’s art,” Betts said. “At the Teen Center, anyone can record rehearsed music for free.”
This accessibility helps the program reach students and make a difference in the community. Both Mindreau and Betts said they learned about BTC Records through friends last year, and the program allowed them to quickly foster the passions they realized they had.
“Having access to a professional-level studio and all the equipment has really given me motivation to continue pursuing music,” Mindreau said.
The BTC Records program creates a space that fosters creativity and development for the youth of Brookline. For Mindreau, it creates a space where they can experiment with new ideas and create art with experts in their field who help them bring those ideas to life.
“I’m releasing a synth pop song with some experimental aspects,” Mindreau said. “The Teen Center helps you bring your ideas to life.”
