Joe (21 years old) identifies as an El Salvadorian and lives with his mother and sister in Western Sydney. His parents separated when he was a junior in high school. Joe self-referred to the Street University in 2018 after hearing of it from his father. He presented requesting access to the recording studio and support in developing his music.

Interventions/Programs Accessed

Joe began attending the Passion to Pro music programs. Through this participation, he enhanced his business administration skills, marketing skills, artistic development, and networking opportunities. Joe has attended the Street University multiple times per week since first presenting in 2018.

Joe has engaged with staff at the Street University in other programs and workshops such as art classes, Cypher workshops and podcast services.  Due to his ongoing involvement in the service, engagement staff have been able to mentor Joe and teach him how to use studio equipment.  Since joining as a participant in the music programs, Joe now manages the recording studio as the studio engineer and music workshop facilitator. He also continues to attend the Passion to Pro programs which focus on artist development and music business administration.  Joe has engaged with these services in the Street University LIVE online space as well as the physical space at Mount Druitt Street University. 

Due to his involvement in workshops, Joe has been able to grow further and progress to facilitating workshops at the Street University.  Joe mentors young creatives that access the Street University recording studio through his work as a studio producer. He also facilitates other youth programs at Street University such as the Rap Cypher group workshops with other young people, building community and relationships. 

Joe regularly performs at events hosted by the Street University as well as other local events. This is an opportunity for him to widen his music’s reach and refine his performance. Joe has gone on to perform at various events including three sold out concerts at the Sydney Opera House. 

Joe has also engaged in Street University’s clinical services during his involvement, engaging in one-on-one structured counselling appointments to assist with emotional concerns and to provide additional support. 

Outcomes

Due to Joe’s long term involvement in Street University art programs we are able to witness his growth and increased involvement in the program and as an artist. Joe has gone on a journey to find his voice and currently mentors the up-and-coming youth to find their own. He continues to mentor young creatives, mainly through the music program, developing their lyric writing, branding, performance skills and he imparts his existing music industry knowledge with the young people.
 
Joe facilitates the Thursday Rap Cypher workshops which is a youth program that encourages young people to exhibit their knowledge of lyric writing and improvisation through rap performances.

Joe continues to establish himself in the music industry through record releases and a consistent booking of shows. We have also witnessed his motivation to solidify himself in the industry through developing networks and professional relationships with key people. Joe has attended meetings and workshops with Apple Music, Niche Productions, opnsrc.co, Ditto Music Distribution, and the Sydney Opera House. 
 
Joe is also an established recording artist having released 21 singles, 5 music videos, has been showcased on Channel 10’s ‘The Project’ and performed 3 sold out shows at the Sydney Opera House.