Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronald Tyson.
Ronald, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started playing the drums in second grade and fell in love with it. I never stopped playing and was always drumming on something, whether it was a snare, the couch, the bed, the dinner table, or even my sisters’ foreheads (just kidding, maybe!).
A few years ago, I volunteered at my middle school to help build the drumline and marching band. After successfully building their drumline, I moved on and began working for a non-profit music organization as a drum instructor. Over four years, I built a strong and productive drumline for the organization, but unfortunately, I was terminated.
After I was fired, I heard from children in the organization, parents, drummers, and the community that they missed my instruction and me. This was humbling and made me realize that my passion lay in teaching. It was then that I decided to create my own path and form “Children of Production” (C.O.P.L.A.), my foundation.
The name of my foundation came from drumming at home and listening to one of my favorite artists and groups, George Clinton and The Parliament.
My greatest gift in this journey is teaching youth to walk away from my instruction, knowing they possess a trade, knowledge of a drumline, reading sheet music, learning cadences, and so much more. I teach my students to be entrepreneurs in their drum trade.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Back in January 2018, I founded Children of Production without any financial support or sponsors. I began with the money I had in my pocket and a few donations from friends and family. I created a business plan on a piece of paper, incorporated the business, and started working. It was a challenging task to manage everything while working with my cell phone and learning how to run a foundation and become an entrepreneur overnight.
Thanks to God’s grace, the number of students has increased, but we still lack enough drum supplies to support our growing drumlines. Therefore, expansion planning is necessary.
Getting funding, sponsors, and travel assistance has always been a challenge, but I am motivated to keep pushing and praying for a breakthrough by looking at everything we’ve accomplished since 2018. I’m immensely proud of my students, parents, alumni, staff, and teacher volunteers who believe in me, my vision, and C.O.P.L.A. Their unwavering support has helped us become a family!
I can confidently say that the challenges and obstacles we’ve faced have been a driving force for us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Children of Production is a Non-Profit Foundation with an emphasis on Performing Arts.
Our mission is to create and provide life-changing musical and artistic experiences for LA’s youth. Visit us today at www.ChildrenOfProductionla.org and show your support.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I took a risk in starting the business without any formal education or business knowledge, relying solely on my music, child teaching skills, and drumming ability. It was a risk I stepped into and now love.
Pricing:
- Our drum instruction classes are free.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/childrenofproductionla?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childrenofproductionla/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-tyson-496a9a183/
Image Credits
Each of the photos is from my mobile phone from either an event, performance, or rehearsal.
