The Workout: Music Production & Engineering is part of the Music District’s signature Workout series—hands-on, cohort-based, and built for working musicians. Apply as a PRODUCER or ARTIST.
This immersive, multi-week program pairs emerging producers and audio engineers with Colorado bands to record, produce, mix, and master an original track at the Music District and local recording studios.
Individuals participating as PRODUCERS gain hands-on experience recording, producing, and mixing original tracks with regional bands over 11 weeks. Working in real studio environments at the Music District and local recording studios, producers build technical skills through mentorship from industry professionals, peer collaboration, and direct interaction with Colorado musicians. The program culminates in each participant delivering a fully produced song and is open to individuals with experience in audio engineering, recording, and music production.
ARTISTS/BANDS participating in the program will enhance their studio performance and collaboration skills across three sessions while working closely with producers and audio engineers. Artists gain valuable insight from industry professionals and peers, and leave with a fully produced, finished song to add to their catalog.
PAST PROGRAM MENTORS include Gary Paczosa, Ian Kagey, Jason Livermore, Andrew Berlin, Loren Dorland, and Anna Frick.
Deadline to apply: Friday, Aug 7 at 11:59pm MT
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The Workout: Music Production & Engineering PRODUCER TRACK 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 Workout: Music Production & Engineering ARTIST TRACK is for individuals who:
Are part of a multi-member band that includes a drummer
Are actively pursuing a career—or serious hustle—with their band
Have prior experience writing, performing, and recording music
Have original material that’s ready to be recorded
Have a clear vision for their progress and goals as a band
Are eager to collaborate with producers, peers, and industry experts
Are open to self-reflection and constructive feedback as tools for growth
Have access to basic recording or rehearsal equipment and a way to document their work
Are located in Northern Colorado
Are 18 years of age or older
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PRODUCERS
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.
ARTISTS
The program dives into best practices for recording and preparing for studio sessions, collaborating with a producer to bring your song to life, clearly communicating your artistic vision, giving effective mix and master feedback, and more.
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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
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PRODUCERS
The program takes place weekly from September 22–November 24. Sessions are typically from 6–9pm, with one required 8-hour recording day between October 17 and November 2. There is also a full-day session at the Blasting Room on October 16 (11am-6pm).
PROGRAM SESSION DATES:
Tuesday, September 22 | 6-9 pm
Tuesday, September 29 | 6-9 pm
Tuesday, October 6 | 6-9 pm
Thursday, October 8 | 6-9 pm
Friday, October 16 | 11 am-6 pm (at The Blasting Room)
A recording day between October 17 and November 24
Tuesday, October 20 | 6-9 pm
Tuesday, November 3 | 6-9 pm
Tuesday, November 10 | 6-9 pm
Thursday, November 19 | 6-9 pm
Tuesday, November 24 | 6-9 pm
ARTISTS
The program takes place over three sessions from October 8–November 17.
PROGRAM SESSION DATES:
Thursday, October 8 | 6-9 pm
A recording day between October 17 and November 2
Tuesday, November 17 | 6-9 pm
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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.
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A Music District Membership ($30/month) will be required for all participants of The Workout: Music Production & Engineering.
Important note: If selected and not yet a Music District Member, participants will be onboarded prior to the program start. 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.
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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, experience, 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 experience, abilities, and/or skillsets.
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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.
