In music production workshops, students learn the fundamentals of creating original music using digital tools. Topics include beat-making, melody, rhythm, song structure, and basic audio engineering. Students also develop critical listening skills, explore different genres, and learn how to bring creative ideas from concept to completion.

Workshops emphasize both creative expression and technical skill-building, helping students build confidence and develop transferable skills they can apply across academic, creative, and career pathways.

Music production workshops are designed for school-aged youth and are adapted by age, setting, and student experience level. Programming is beginner-friendly and accessible, with opportunities for deeper exploration for students who already have an interest in music or technology.

No prior music or technology experience is required. Instruction is scaffolded to support a wide range of skill levels within the same group, making these workshops well suited for schools and organizations seeking engaging, culturally responsive creative programming.

Music production workshops can be delivered in a variety of formats and settings, including:

• In-school programming (during the school day)

• After-school or extended-day programs

• Community center and youth organization programming

• Summer and enrichment programs

Workshops can be offered as one-day experiences, short-term residencies, or multi-week programs, depending on a site’s goals and schedule.

A music production residency is structured to move students from foundational concepts to original creation. Residencies typically include:

• Introduction to digital music production tools and workflows

• Beat-making, melody, rhythm, and song structure

• Basic audio engineering and sound design concepts

• Guided creation time and collaborative listening

• Sharing and showcasing student work

Residencies culminate in a listening session, showcase, or portfolio of original student-created music.

We aim to make our music production workshops as accessible and easy to implement as possible.

Students use browser accessible digital audio workstations (DAWs), provided by Building Beats, that allow them to create, edit, and produce original music. The tools we use are:

• Easy to learn for beginners

• Appropriate for school and youth program settings

• Transferable to future creative and technical learning

• Please visit our toolbox to learn more about the tools we use in the classroom

We ask that partner sites have access to the following equipment, if possible:

• A computer, Chromebook, tablet, or smartphone with reliable internet access

• Google Chrome (our recommended browser for optimal performance)

• Headphones for each student

• Zoom or Google Meet (for remote programming only)

If your site does not currently have this equipment available, Building Beats can support equipment rental or purchasing options. Our team will work with you to develop a plan that fits your program’s needs and budget—because access should never be a barrier to participation.

Our music production classes support key outcomes many schools and youth-serving organizations prioritize, including:

• Digital literacy and creative technology skills

• Student engagement and motivation

• Social-emotional learning and confidence-building

• Collaboration, communication, and problem-solving

If a school or program has a specific instructional goal, youth development priority, or thematic focus, our team can adapt the curriculum to align with those needs. Custom curriculum packages are available, and we work closely with partners to ensure programming meaningfully supports their students and broader program objectives.