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. Ulises Ramirez Sanroman’s song tied for first place in our instrumental category. Ulises is 13 years old and has been studying music with Metro Music Makers for four years. His instructor Mark Grundhoefer interviewed him recently. Enjoy getting to know this young, talented musician, and then check out his original song!
Which MMM core value did you choose, and why?
I chose “pursue growth,” because when life gets you down, you should pursue growth towards happiness.
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 rock and also instrumental guitar music. My favorite band is Imagine Dragons.
Tell me about your process for songwriting.
I like to play around with the notes on the guitar, and when something strikes me, I develop it further. A lot of experimentation.
Do you write best alone, or do you like to collaborate?
I write alone, but I love advice from my teacher.
Do you have any new songwriting projects in the works?
I am working on two new songs, one with lyrics about hopes and dreams.
What else would you like to tell us about yourself?
I love to read and write. My favorite genre is fantasy.