| Garrett Pessoa is a 14-year-old beat maker, DJ, and producer. He began making beats during COVID after he noticed a small beat making and producing app ad while on his iPad. He downloaded the app and immediately started making short beats. The short beats became longer beats, as he continued to self-learn during that period. He joined New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Hip Hop and Beat Making program in 2021. It was there that he met his mentors and built his beat making and DJing skills. |
Organization Name: New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Award Title: Excellence in Hip Hop
Year: 2026
What does receiving a New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education mean to you? Receiving a NJ Governor’s Award in Arts Education means a lot to me. I feel seen and recognized for my work.
How has receiving this award influenced your artistic journey and future aspirations? I think that working with my NJPAC Arts Education mentors have had a profound impact on my development as an artist.
Can you share a specific experience in arts education that had a profound impact on your development as an artist? I would advise young artists to keep self-learning, improving your skills, and being open to learning from others.
