This spring, Metro Music Makers hosted a songwriting contest for our students. Students were challenged to write a song based on one of our five values as a company: Be authentic. Bring your best. Pursue growth. Be flexible. Collaborate with kindness.
Winners were selected by our team of teachers based on several criteria. Ava Darnell’s song tied for first place in our instrumental category. Ava is 12 years old and has been studying music with Metro Music Makers for a year and a half. Her instructor Grace Mason interviewed her recently. Enjoy getting to know this young, talented musician, and then check out her original song!
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Which MMM core value did you choose, and why?
I chose “be flexible,”because I wanted to play a flowing, relaxed tempo. I thought that this sounded most like the core value “be flexible.”
Who inspires you as a songwriter?
What kind of music do you like to listen to? Who’s your favorite band or musician?
I love to listen to music like the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Tori Kelly and also Hillsong. I can’t choose a favorite because I love them all!
Tell me about your process for songwriting.
I began with my favorite chords that I thought sounded pretty in the left hand, and then I began to develop a right hand melody to accompany it.
Do you write best alone, or do you like to collaborate?
I write best alone.
Do you have any new songwriting projects in the works?
Yes, I always have something in the works.
What else would you like to tell us about yourself?
I really love painting, baking, basketball and anything creative.