Promoting Social Justice Through Rhythm and Rhyme
For classrooms from K - 12 across the GTA
For classrooms from K - 12 across the GTA
Sound Scholars was born out of educator and spoken-word artist Zoey Roy’s deep commitment to community-building and creative expression. Early in her career, Zoey worked in classrooms and youth programs across Canada, introducing Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike to the power of hip hop, poetry, and songwriting. Her approach drew on her own Cree, Dene, and Métis heritage, providing a culturally grounded platform for youth to explore identity, language, and storytelling.
The desire to offer schools and communities an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum led to the formal creation of Sound Scholars.
Today, the organization continues Zoey’s tradition of blending music, poetry, and Indigenous knowledge, helping students, educators, and community members build confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of their own stories and how to tell them.
We ground our workshops in Indigenous ways of knowing and Black cultural expressions, ensuring that every participant—especially Indigenous and Black youth—feels seen, heard, and valued.
Hip hop and poetry are inherently playful, rhythmic, and communal, making the learning process both engaging and enjoyable.
Workshops and curriculum can be adapted to fit learning outcomes for P – 12.
Key subject ties include: Language Arts, Social Studies, Indigenous Studies, and Social-Emotional Learning.
We also incorporate digital literacy (through music technology), creative writing, and public speaking goals.
Students discover new ways to express their stories, strengthen self-esteem, and gain confidence in navigating complex social issues.
Workshops integrate real-life tools and artistic techniques—like lyric writing, performance skills, and recording technology—to help youth achieve measurable personal and academic milestones.
Collective Songwriting: “Unifying Our Voice Through Rhythm”
Overview: Students learn to write and perform a collective song that reflects their shared experiences, hopes, or classroom themes.
Intro to Poetry & Performance (From Page to Stage)
Overview: A hands-on journey into writing and performing original poetry or spoken word pieces.
Lyric Writing (Parts I & II)
Overview: Students learn to craft lyrics over a beat, then refine them into a cohesive song ready for recording or performance.
Choose from a wide variety of workshops and lessons or book a meeting to explore a customized lesson or workshop.
What It Is: A downloadable or physical curriculum package that teachers can license and use across multiple lessons or semesters.
Includes: Lesson plans, video tutorials, worksheets, and guidance on integrating Indigenous ways of knowing and hip hop culture into standard subjects.
How It Works: Ideal for educators who want a comprehensive framework without scheduling a live workshop. Optional live “check-in” sessions with Zoey Roy can be added for deeper engagement.
Zoey Roy (and other Sound Scholars facilitators) can deliver keynotes, spoken word sets, and musical performances at school assemblies, conferences, or community events.
Topics range from personal resilience and youth empowerment to more focused discussions on Indigenous knowledge, cultural pride, and creative expression.
Preview: A collaborative gathering where participating schools and community groups showcase the music, poetry, and creative projects they’ve developed.
Goal: Celebrate student voices, foster networking among educators, and spark ongoing efforts to embed hip hop and Indigenous perspectives in educational frameworks.
Write us to ask about your specific ideas or needs. We can adjust our workshops, training and curriculum to your team's goals.
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