MUSIC PRODUCTION LAB
Make a Song.
Record It.
Release It.
What if your music could become a real recording?
Music Production Lab is a hands-on, small-group studio experience for students ages 11–18. Over eight weeks, students work together to take one original song from the first idea all the way to a finished recording.
DON'T JUST LEARN HOW MUSIC IS MADE. MAKE IT.
Students collaborate on one original song from the first idea all the way to a finished recording.
Along the way, they'll write, perform, arrange, record, produce, mix, and make creative decisions together.
This isn't a computer class. It's a music-making experience.
Everyone has a role. Everyone contributes. Students won't spend the session sitting back and watching someone else make the music. They'll learn by doing, experimenting, making decisions, solving creative problems, and discovering how their individual strengths contribute to a collaborative project.
REAL STUDIO SKILLS.
REAL CREATIVE EXPERIENCE.
Students will learn to use professional recording tools and workflows, including a Digital Audio Workstation, microphones, MIDI controllers, virtual instruments, samples, effects, and more.
But the technology is only one part of the experience.
The deeper goal is to develop musicians who can create, collaborate, listen critically, communicate ideas, and bring music to life.
Students will learn how to:
• Develop an original musical idea
• Write and arrange music
• Prepare a song for recording
• Record vocals and instruments
• Use a Digital Audio Workstation
• Make production and arrangement decisions
• Build layers and textures
• Edit and refine performances
• Listen critically to a recording
• Explore mixing techniques
• Work collaboratively in a studio
• Give and receive creative feedback
• Complete a project from beginning to end
THE STUDIO IS ALREADY HERE.
Students do not need their own recording studio or expensive production equipment. Our studio is equipped with professional tools for recording and production, including:
- Professional Digital Audio Workstation setup
- Multiple simultaneous recording inputs
- Personal headphone monitoring
- MIDI keyboard/controller
- Microphones, cables, stands, and recording accessories
- Vocal recording and overdub space
- Sounds, samples, virtual instruments, and production tools
- Professional project organization, backup, export, and delivery workflows
Students are welcome to bring appropriate instruments such as guitars, basses, keyboards, percussion, and other instruments as needed for their project.
Upcoming Classes
Tuesdays
6-8pmMUSIC PRODUCTION LAB
Ages 11–18 · Tuesdays, 6–8pm · 4–6 students
Instructor: Charles Neal
Students will work together over eight weeks to create, record, and produce one original group single from start to finish. The session concludes with a finished recording, individual student credits, and a family listening and release event. No previous music production experience or equipment is required.
Ready to Make Something Real?
You don't have to wait until you're a professional musician to make a record.
Bring your ideas. Bring your instrument. Bring your creativity.
Program Details
Ages: 11–18
Term: 8 weeks, September 15-November 3
Schedule: One 2-hour session per week, Tuesdays 6-8pm
Group Size: 4–6 students
Cost: $500 for full session
Project: One original group single per term
Finale: Finished recording + student credits + family listening/release event