21 Dec (New Exclusive Interview) Marcus Blackwell Talks About The Make Music Count App |
(New Exclusive Interview) Marcus Blackwell Talks About The Make Music Count App
1. Breakdown Make Music Count And What It Means To You?
Make Music Count is a math app taught through playing the piano. We are eliminating the math phobia in 3rd – 12th grade students by teaching them how to play popular songs on the piano through direct application of mathematics. Anyone can play the piano without any previous lessons by simply using our method to count. This company means so much to me because it’s literally how I overcame my own math phobia. I’ve played the piano since 5 and my love of the piano made math feel better. Now I’m helping other kids with what i wish i had as a kid.
2. How Does The Make Music Count App Work And how Will It Help Kids?
In the app you will pick a song to learn how to play. You’ll then solve math equations to get the Piano notes to play the melody or chords of that song. I’ve redefined the piano as a number line so that kids are able to count the intervals between each key. As an example C + 1/2 = C#. This method will help kids because it’s teaching them how to directly apply their knowledge of fractions, algebra, graphing, and PreCalculus to be able to produce something fun like music. A lot of times math is boring because it’s now relatable. Now we relate math to leaning songs by 2Chainz and Migos.
This app can be licensed by schools districts to be used as a math supplement during the school day or used at home by parents and kids as a subscription for $1.49 a month.
3. Can Adults Use The Make Music Count App?
Absolutely. I meet so many adults that have always wanted to play the piano. Now my app provides an easier way to learn the piano without the need for reading sheet music. I’ve also included classics by Michael Jackson, Stevie wonder, OutKast, Beyoncé and other artists so adults will love using this app as well.
4. What Are The Pro’s And Con’s Of Creating And App Like Make Music Count?
The pros are that it’s unique and actually improves math performance in students especially minority students. We’ve seen an average of 28% increase in math tests scores. This will definitely be a tool used to close the achievement gap. It’s helps with special need students, behavior issues, those that need to catch up but also with students that love math. It literally appeals to both sides of the brain.
Cons are that the app and method are so unique that it sometimes schools mistake the app for only a Music app and don’t see the actual math value.
5. What Is The Hardest Thing In Life You Had To Overcome And How Did You Overcome It?
The hardest thing in life i had to overcome was finding my own identity. As a musician since the age of 5 I was really good but never wanted to be a full time musician. All of my musician friends left to go on tour with amazing artists and I was struggling with the understanding of why i spent my entire life playing the piano but hadn’t really used it. It wasn’t until I went to Morehouse College and was surrounded by professors that encouraged my interest in how math and music connected that i finally found my purpose and identity. I still play the piano at a high level and every day but now it’s to help kids get better at their math and that’s a fulfilling feeling I get to live everyday.
6. How Has Your Environment Helped With the Creative Process In Putting The App Together?
My environment consists of elementary, middle, and high school students, who contribute to the app by letting me know what math areas they struggle with and also what songs are popular that they’d like for me to put into the app. My environment also involves co-working spaces like WeWork and New Schools venture fund who have awarded Make Music Count with grant funding so that I could complete the building of the App. Lastly my wife and family provides me with tremendous support I need to keep going.
7. Where Do You See Your Brand And Career In The Next 5 Years?
In the next 5 years Make Music Count will be a global entity that can help students learn math through music in any language. We will be a major tool that school districts use to help there students during the schools day. I also see the music industry taking interest in how their music helps students improve in math. We will also expand into other subjects like English and science to reach students those areas. I really look forward to the continued development of this company.
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