The Workout: Sync Licensing is part of the Music District’s signature Workout series—hands-on, cohort-based, and designed for musicians with prior songwriting and production experience who want to elevate their craft, deepen their understanding of this facet of the industry, and become better equipped to explore sync licensing* as a revenue stream.
Participants discover what it takes to create and pitch music for film, TV, ads, and video games, by crafting original songs inspired by real industry briefs**. The program combines songwriting, production, and business insights through collaborative, in-studio sessions with peer and professional feedback.
By the end of the six-week program, each participant will have created multiple sync-ready songs and gained the skills and confidence to pursue income-generating opportunities in the competitive landscape of sync licensing.
*Sync Licensing: The process of placing music in film, TV, ads, video games, and other media—by syncing audio to visuals. Sync deals can generate steady royalties over a lifetime, making it a compelling source of income for working musicians.
**Brief: An outline of the sync licensing project sent by a client. Including but not limited to budget, placement description, length, genre, etc.
PAST PROGRAM MENTORS include Joe Rudge, Paula Aciego de Mendoza, Kelly Ross, Bonny Dolan, Anders Lindwall, and Ricki Askin.
Applications for the Spring 2026 program are now closed.
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The Workout: Sync Licensing is for individuals who:
Are actively pursuing a career—or serious hustle—in music
Have prior experience with songwriting and music production
Are eager to collaborate with fellow musicians in a creative, in-studio environment
Are open to self-reflection and constructive feedback as tools for growth
Are interested in exploring sync licensing as a revenue stream
Are located in Northern Colorado
Are 18 years of age or older
Already have a sync or publishing deal? You’re still eligible—just let us know in your application.
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Sessions will explore:
(1) Songwriting for sync based on popular recent industry briefs
(2) Production for sync placements
(3) Music business and sync licensing basics
(4) Perspectives from professional artists, music supervisors, sync agents
(5) Placement examples and analysis
(6) In-studio collaboration with other artists in the program
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Participants can expect these elements to be part of the program:
Collaborative Music-Making, Cohort-based, Audio/Visual Presentation, Group Discussion, Hands-On Activities, Pro Feedback, Peer Feedback, Share Works-in-Progress, Lecture
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The Workout: Sync Licensing meets in person at the Music District (Fort Collins, CO) once weekly from March 9–April 13, including an all-day writing camp on Saturday, April 18.
Monday, March 9 | 6-9 pm
Tuesday, March 10 | 6-9 pm
Monday, March 16 | 6-9 pm
Monday, March 23 | 6-9 pm
Monday, March 30 | 6-9 pm
Monday, April 6 | 6-9 pm
Monday, April 13 | 6-9 pm
Saturday, April 18 | 9 am-6 pm (writing camp, attendance is mandatory)
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The Music District (639 S College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO, 80524)
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A Music District Membership ($30/month) will be required for all participants of The Workout: Sync Licensing for the duration of the program.
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 sync licensing 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.
