The Workout: Music Production & Engineering is an immersive, multi-week program where emerging producers and audio engineers team up with Colorado bands to record, produce, mix and master an original track at the Music District and various local recording studios.


ARTISTS/BANDS participating in the program will enhance their studio performance and collaborative skills, have their music heard by top industry pros, and ultimately have an original song produced and finished to add to their catalog of music. The artist application is only open to bands that have material ready to be recorded.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM HERE.

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

Applications for Fall 2025 are closed.

WANT TO APPLY AS A PRODUCER FOR THE PROGRAM? APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW THROUGH Mon, AUG 11.

LEARN MORE

  • 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 

  • 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.

  • 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 will take place in person at the Music District (Fort Collins, CO) across four sessions from October 2 to November 20. 

    PROGRAM SESSION DATES: 

    • Thurs, October 2 | 6-9 pm 

    • Thurs, October 23 | 6-9 pm 

    • One full-day recording session between October 28 and November 8* 

    • Thurs, November 20 | 6-8pm 

  • 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) is required for at least one band member to participate in 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. 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 experience 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.