music mentoring programmes
Free music mentoring programmes for young people 15-24 who may not fit into mainstream education settings.
Led by industry professionals, for every level and stage of your journey, Crescendo’s programmes help develop skills in songwriting, audio engineering, music production and recording, whilst also teaching wellbeing skills.
Crescendo's Pathways Programmes
If you are unsure which course is for you, or want to find out more, fill in the form below or come to a Crescendo Open Day.
All Welcome! The next Open Days are:
Saturday 7th December 2024 10am – 2pm @ Te Puna, 8 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland.
Saturday 25th January 2025 10am – 2pm @ Te Puna, 8 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland
Te Urunga - Introductory Music Course
Discover the art of music creation and performance! Te Urunga means “the entrance” is perfect for anyone eager to learn how to make and record music, improve their songwriting skills and bring their creative ideas to life. Over the course, you’ll write your own song and have the exciting opportunity to perform it at our term-end graduation showcase.
Learn techniques for writing lyrics, composing songs, and get accustomed to the equipment, software and terminology you need to record professionally.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build on existing skills, this course offers the tools and knowledge to help you grow as a musician.
When:
Mondays and Tuesdays, 4PM – 7PM for 10 weeks
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamentals of Logic Pro for recording, editing and mixing
- Setting up and packing down a recording booth
- Vocal recording techniques
- Songwriting and arrangement skills
- Essential music theory
- Crafting a compelling artist biography for promotion
- Live performance
- Collaboration
- Wellbeing & Power skills
Term Dates:
Term 1 2025: Monday 3rd February – Thursday 10th April 2025
Location: Te Puna (formerly called Whoa! Studios), 8 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson
Cost: Crescendo Pathways programmes are free for youth 15-24yrs
Register: Register for Te Urunga today and someone will be in touch to talk with you about the course
Te Ara - Intermediate Music Course
Take your music to the next level with Te Ara, designed for those already immersed in songwriting, beat-making, producing, or performing music. This course builds on the foundations of Te Urunga, offering deeper insights and advanced techniques to enhance your artistry.
You’ll write and refine your own song, with the opportunity to showcase it at our term-end graduation event.
Ideal for musicians ready to refine their skills and step confidently into professional-level projects.
When:
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4PM – 7PM for 10 weeks
What You’ll Learn:
- A refresher on recording techniques and Logic Pro basics
- Advanced recording techniques and equipment usage
- Maximising Logic Pro features for production
- Essential mixing techniques, including EQ, compression, gain, reverb, delay and more
- Essential music theory
- Creating a professional Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
- Live performance
- Collaboration
- Wellbeing & Power skills
Term Dates:
Term 1 2025: Wednesday 5th February – Thursday 10th April 2025
Location: Te Puna (formerly called Whoa! Studios), 8 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson
Cost: Crescendo Pathways programmes are free for youth 15-24yrs
Register: Register for Te Ara today and someone will be in touch to talk with you about the course
Artist in Residence: Advanced Music Course
The Artist in Residence course is for students who have demonstrated a strong foundation and drive in their artistry. This one-on-one mentorship course guides you through writing, recording, mixing and releasing your own song on streaming platforms, while also teaching you how to promote it effectively.
This course is tailored to help you develop as a fully independent artist, ready to share your music with the world.
Priority is given to students who have completed Crescendo’s Te Ara course.
When:
2-hour weekly sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays (time slots arranged individually)
What You’ll Learn:
- Advanced recording techniques
- Mixing and mastering techniques
- Uploading music to streaming platforms
- Understanding music copyright
- Understanding royalties and licensing
- Understanding and connecting to the music industry
- Building and refining your personal brand
- Collaboration strategies for working with producers
- Goal setting and motivation
- Receiving and taking on board constructive feedback
Term Dates:
Term 1 2025: Monday 3rd February – Thursday 10th April 2025
Location: Te Puna (formerly called Whoa! Studios), 8 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson
Cost: Crescendo Pathways programmes are free for youth 15-24yrs
Register: Register for Te Urunga today and someone will be in touch to talk with you about the course
Studio Internship (unpaid)
The Studio Internship is ideal for those proficient in a D.A.W. (i.e. Logic Pro, Ableton, or Pro Tools) and who are aspiring to build a career in the audio industry. This hands-on program offers real-world experience in a recording studio, guided by a professional audio engineer. You’ll work on a diverse range of projects, including music production, sound design, audiobooks, voiceovers and podcasting, tailored to your interests and Crescendo Studio’s commercial projects.
Previous projects that Interns have worked on include sound design for theatre shows, audio tours, podcast episodes, music composition for TV, and recording, mixing and mastering songs for Rockquest, Play It Strange and Tangata Beats bands.
Through this programme you will gain practical experience with real-world projects in a dynamic studio environment. This Internship bridges the gap between learning and industry, equipping you with the skills, connections and confidence to thrive in the audio world.
Selection:
- You will need to be 18+ at the start of the term
- You need to have been using a D.A.W to create music or record
- You might have graduated from a music production or audio engineering course, or completed a Crescendo Course
- Priority is given to students who have completed another of Crescendo’s music courses
- Shortlisted students will be interviewed on the phone as part of the selection process
When:
Mondays and Tuesdays 10AM – 4PM for 10 weeks
What You’ll Learn:
- Professional studio etiquette
- Managing jobs effectively
- Communicating with clients in person and via email
- Staying accountable and meeting deadlines
- Adapting workflows to different types of projects
- Collaborating with artists in the Studio
- Recording bands and solo artists
- Advanced mixing and mastering techniques
- Achieving professional-level audio recording
Term Dates:
Term 1 2025: Monday 3rd February – Thursday 10th April 2025
Location: Te Puna (formerly called Whoa! Studios), 8 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson
Cost: Crescendo Pathways programmes are free for youth 15-24yrs
Register: Register your interest by filling in the application form, and someone will be in touch with you.
Programme Enquiry & Notifications
Enquire by filling out the form below.
Crescendo Student Recordings 2024
Testimonials
“Working with Crescendo I have created two EPs. They really helped with creativity. The environment you are in, being around people that are into what you are into – it really helps. Working with CTOA it’s helped me not be afraid, to just push my work out there.”
– Levi Parker, Crescendo Graduate.
View video here.
“Music is a distraction from a lot of things, and music definitely helps. Being part of Crescendo, feels like a family. Without music I would be nowhere. I would still be on the streets. If music is your dream, then follow it and don’t let anybody stop you”
– Wilimena, Crescendo Graduate.
View video here.
“After attending classes at Crescendo, I really noticed the difference in her confidence. Her anxiety and tourettes had really reduced and she was able to perform in front of people. I had tried to seek help and support from so many other services, but nothing had really worked. I don’t know if it was having male role models in her life for the first time, or the connections she made with her mentors through music.
– Mother of a teen that attended Crescendo Music Mentoring.
View video here.
Mailing List
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