Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, and the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments. The term beatboxing is sometimes used to refer to vocal percussion in general. B.E.A.T.’s mission is to transform the lives of youth in under-served areas through engaging, exciting and culturally relevant music, dance and writing programs which include beatboxing, B-boying/B-girling (breakdance), music production/composition, and creative writing. By engaging, challenging and teaching students in our programs through music, writing and dance, B.E.A.T. aims to help mold a new generation of leaders and creative thinkers who themselves will inspire and impact the generations to follow. Beat Rockers is a beatboxing music program for blind and visually impaired students at the Lavelle School for the Blind in the Bronx by Head Instructor Taylor McFerrin and Instructors Chesney Snow and Beatsmyth. By using beatboxing as the main tool for vocalization and self-expression, students are taught a new way to communicate, socialize and express themselves through rhythm and beats. Music is expressed as a form of empowerment and language. Here's a video from the Beatbox Battle World Championship 2012. You can see the world largest archive of Beatbox videos here. For an online community of beatboxers, check out Humanbeatbox.com. Beatboxers from all over the world share their videos, their tips and tricks, comments, support and love, and their constructive criticisms. TED-Ed was thrilled to work with world renown and award winning beatboxer KRNFX (Terry Im). He was a contestant on Canada's Got Talent. Here's a video of KRNFX on the Ellen Show, and here's his website. TED-Ed also had the privilege to work with the amazingly talented Kaila Mullady. If you want to be schooled in the art of beatboxing, watch her videos. They are crazy good! Also, a special shout out to Beatsmyth's mom (we dubbed her Momma Beats). Her cameo made the whole project worth it. She was a pleasure to work with, and she's a testament that to the fact that anyone can beatbox. In her own words, "If I can do this, anyone can!" Music is a powerful communication tool -- it causes us to laugh, cry, think and question. Bassist and five-time Grammy winner, Victor Wooten, asks us to approach music the same way we learn verbal language -- by embracing mistakes and playing as often as possible. The same applies to beatboxing. Anyone can do it, and it can be done anywhere.

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