The Workout: Music Production & Engineering is part of the Music District’s signature Workout series—hands-on, cohort-based, and built for working musicians. This immersive, multi-week program is for individuals with experience in recording, producing, and/or audio engineering who want to supercharge their music production skills in a collaborative, real-world setting.

Over 11 weeks, participants record, produce, and mix tracks with regional bands while developing the technical chops to help kickstart a career in music production and engineering—guided by industry experts in studio settings. Sessions take place onsite at the Music District and in local recording studios, combining customized mentorship, peer collaboration, and direct interaction with Northern Colorado artists. The program ends with each participant delivering a fully produced song.


PAST PROGRAM MENTORS include Gary Paczosa, Ian Kagey, Jason Livermore, Andrew Berlin, Loren Dorland, and Anna Frick.

Applications for fall 2025 will open soon.

  • The Workout: Music Production & Engineering is for individuals who:

    • Are actively pursuing a career—or serious hustle—in music production

    • Have prior experience in recording, audio engineering, and/or music production

    • Have a clear vision for their progress and goals as a music producer or engineer

    • Are eager to collaborate with artists, peers, and industry experts

    • Are open to self-reflection and constructive feedback as tools for growth

    • Have access to their own Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and a personal music production computer or laptop

    • Are located in Northern Colorado

    • Are 18 years of age or older

  • The program has four phases:

    (1) RECORDING & ENGINEERING: explore best practices for tracking & fundamentals for running a successful session. 

    (2) PRODUCING: discover innovative techniques & take collaboration to new heights. 

    (3) MIXING & EDITING: achieve a quality mix through developing post-production proficiency. 

    (4) MASTERING: gain basic mastering skills as the final element of finishing a track. 

  • Participants can expect these elements to be part of the program:

    Cohort-based, Collaborative Music-Making, Pro Feedback, Peer Feedback, Hands-On Activities, Audio/Visual Presentation, Group Discussion, Share Works-in-Progress, Lecture

  • The Workout: Music Production & Engineering will take place over 11 weeks with two in-person sessions per week.

    These sessions will take place onsite at the Music District and various local music studios. 

    Dates for Fall 2025 to be announced.

  • The Music District (639 S College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80524) and various local recording studios.

    Please note: participants must provide their own transportation between program locations.

  • A Music District Membership ($30/month) will be required for all participants of The Workout: Music Production & Engineering.

    Important note: If selected, participants will be onboarded as Members prior to program start date. The Music District team will reach out to schedule a one-hour onboarding session.

    Membership includes access to all the Music District has to offer, such as rehearsal rooms, production space, a diverse array of musician-centric programs, industry 1-on-1s, pro gear and equipment, and much more.

    After the program concludes, participants are welcome to continue their membership, if they wish.

    Learn more about Music District Membership here.

  • All applications will be reviewed by Music District staff with music production & engineering expertise. Applicants will be notified at least one month before the program begins.

    The ideal Workout participant is someone: 

    (1) whose vision and artistic commitment are clear through the links and written entries submitted.   

    (2) who is community-minded (e.g., open to collaboration, excited to share skills and experience, willing to test new approaches, and ready to support and respect others in the process).   

    (3) who represents a unique perspective, background, style, and/or musical skillset.   

    While songwriting and production quality are part of the selection process, we value representation when determining the composition of the cohort. We believe this program has the most potential when the group is comprised of gifted, community-minded musicians who represent diverse backgrounds, abilities, skillsets, and experiences.

  • The Music District’s signature program, The Workout, is hands-on, cohort-based, and built for working musicians. Each multi-week intensive dives deep into one focus area, features mentorship from industry pros, and ends with something real that you created—like a fully mixed and mastered track. Walk away with new skills, solid connections, and tools to thrive in today’s music world. 

EXPLORE MORE MUSIC DISTRICT PROGRAMS