Music and audio 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 and communication skills.
Our Free Music Programmes
Crescendo’s music mentoring and wellbeing programmes are carefully designed to provide tauira/students with solid hands-on technical skills, balanced with personal development to build confidence to achieve your goals. At the heart of everything we do is high-quality professional mentoring to nurture you towards success on your chosen pathway.
Through each stage of the youth programme, you will progress to learn different aspects of sound, audio, recording and live performance. Your learning journey is personalised to help you build the specific skills that you need to achieve your goals. All pathways can lead you into paid employment opportunities and work experience with Crescendo Studio, employment, and other education pathways.
Te Urunga - The Entrance
I was nervous at first about my lack of music experience, but being here is not about that, it’s about having the right attitude to learn – you won’t know unless you do it” Ben, age 19*
Stage: Foundations Course. Beginner-level youth programme.
Why Take Te Urunga Youth Programme?
If you have an interest in music, but unsure if music is the right path for you, then Te Urunga is the programme for you. This foundation course will give you a taste of what it is like to work in the music industry. As well as help you to better understand yourself, your strengths, and future career or study options.
You will be working in a studio environment learning techniques for writing lyrics, composing songs and getting accustomed to the equipment, software, and terminology you will need to record professionally.
Te Urunga includes group wellbeing sessions founded on the Māori health model Te Whare Tapa Whā to help build resilience and confidence to achieve your goals.
How is it structured?
Te Urunga is delivered over 9 weeks (dates and times below) and on completion of the programme you will receive a Crescendo Certificate of Achievement at a special graduation event. You will make helpful connections with a solid creative whānau that you can lean on for support as you continue your music journey.
2023 Te Urunga Programme Dates:
- Term 1 Programme: Tuesday 31st January 2023 – Friday 31st March 2023
- Term 1 Graduation Day: Thursday 6th April 2023 (10am – 2pm)
- Term 2 Orientation Day: Wednesday 19th April 2023 (10 am – 2 pm)
- Term 2: Monday 24th April 2023 – Friday 23rd June 2023 (enrolling now)
Remaining Music Programme Dates:
Term 3: Monday 17th July 2023 – Friday 15th September 2023
Term 4: Monday 9th October 2023 – Friday 8th December 2023
Te Urunga Times: Mondays and Tuesdays 10 am – 1pm
Te Urunga is free to all rangatahi aged 15-24. You may self-enroll or be referred through an organisation.
What does Te Urunga cover?
- Different genres and artists
- Creating lyrics, rhymes and composing songs
- Recording software/Digital Audio Workstations
- Hauora/Wellbeing
- Goal-setting
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Creativity, self-expression and self-awareness
- Communication skills
On completion of this course, students can enter the next youth programme Te Ara (The Way) – see below.
Complete the enquiry form or register below grab your spot today.
Te Ara - The Way
“I wanted to advance my skills and make music that was more meaningful. I’ve also learned how important it is to have good mental health. I’ve learned a lot and I’m very grateful to Crescendo” Luca, age 15*
Stage: Intermediate Level.
Why take Te Ara Youth Programme:
This programme allows you to explore the world of music, sound and audio engineering in greater depth. You will be able to specialise in your chosen area of interest, work directly with industry professionals and drive individual and group projects in the direction you choose.
Whether you are an artist producing your own music or an audio engineer, you will have the opportunity to work with other tauira/students and industry professionals who will share their skills and knowledge with you. Te Ara will give you a greater insight into future career pathways in the industry and the confidence and skills to pursue these.
Te Ara includes wellbeing sessions to help build resilience and confidence to achieve your goals.
How is it structured?
Te Ara is delivered over 9 weeks (dates and times below) and on completion of the programme tauira/students receive a Crescendo Certificate of Achievement at a special graduation event. You will make helpful connections with a solid creative whānau that you can lean on for support as you continue your music journey.
2023 Te Ara Programme Dates:
- Term 1 Programme: Tuesday 31st January 2023 – Friday 31st March 2023
- Term 1 Graduation Day: Thursday 6th April 2023 (10am – 2pm)
- Term 2 Orientation Day: Wednesday 19th April 2023 (10 am – 2 pm)
- Term 2: Monday 24th April 2023 – Friday 23rd June 2023 (enrolling now)
Remaining Programme Dates:
Term 3: Monday 17th July 2023 – Friday 15th September 2023
Term 4: Monday 9th October 2023 – Friday 8th December 2023
Times: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4 – 7 pm
Complete the enquiry form to get in touch.
Te Ara is free to all rangatahi aged 15-24 that have a base-level knowledge of recording or songwriting.
What does Te Ara cover?
- Audio engineering
- Collaborative songwriting
- Music industry business
- Artist Development
- Digital Audio Workstations / Logic Pro
- Collaborative music production
On completion of this course, students are automatically enrolled in Mahi Waiata (The Gig) – see below.
Complete the enquiry form or register below grab your spot today.
Mahi Waiata - The Gig
“When I was a teenager, there weren’t many chances for young musicians to be a part of live music events. Crescendo opened my eyes to everything that happens behind the scenes in music, not just performing. I found a place for my passion to grow” Jazmyn, age 22*
Stage: Intermediate – Advanced Level
Why take Mahi Waiata?
Mahi Waiata is for tauira/students. wanting to learn more about live events and performance. You will have the opportunity to work as a group to deliver a live gig, bringing together all you have learned throughout previous stages of the programme.
Mahi Waiata is highly collaborative group work, exposing you to the wider workings of the industry to gain hands-on experience. You will learn about the different roles involved in organising, promoting and delivering a live gig.
Mahi Waiata includes group wellbeing sessions founded on the Māori health model Te Whare Tapa Whā to help build resilience and confidence to achieve your goals.
How is it structured?
Mahi Waiata is delivered over 9 weeks (dates and times below) leading to a live event that your group has organised. You will be working to project deadlines in groups and individually. You can access studio facilities more independently, as well as one-on-one mentoring from industry professionals to assist with the delivery of your gig.
2023 Mahi Waiata Programme Dates:
- Term 1 Programme: Tuesday 31st January 2023 – Friday 31st March 2023
- Term 1 Graduation Day: Thursday 6th April 2023 (10am – 2pm)
- Term 2 Orientation Day: Wednesday 19th April 2023 (10 am – 2 pm)
- Term 2 Programme: Monday 24th April 2023 – Friday 23rd June 2023 (enrolling now)
Remaining Programme Dates:
Term 3: Monday 17th July 2023 – Friday 15th September 2023
Term 4: Monday 9th October 2023 – Friday 8th December 2023
Times: Thursdays and Fridays 4 – 7 pm
Mahi Waiata is free to all rangatahi aged 15-24 that have some experience of live performance.
What does Mahi Waita cover?
- Introduction to live sound
- Event management
- Live performance
- Music industry business and marketing
- Staging equipment, setup and pack down
- Mental health & safety in the industry
Complete the enquiry form or register below grab your spot today.
Apprentice Ready Programme
“Working in Crescendo Studio was definitely an experience I’ll never forget. I got the chance to work alongside Dave Atai on a few sessions such as an audiobook for a client and tuning into some music. It made me realise how awesome this would be to do for a living. I loved every second of it!” Raymond, age 25*
Why take this programme?
This programme is designed to give you all the skills necessary to get you work ready.
Our programme will give you the necessary skills and guidance to be able to attend a job interview with confidence: CV and resume building, gain your driver’s license, if you need one, financial literacy and tips from successful professionals. The programme is a combination of industry advice, peer support and professional guidance.
Crescendo Studio, our social enterprise arm, provides apprentice-ready graduates with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on real-world commercial audio projects. All profit generated through our commercial studio goes towards funding Crescendo’s music mentoring and wellbeing programmes.
How is it structured?
Crescendo’s Apprentice Ready Programme is delivered over 4 weeks (dates and times below) through a series of specialised workshops.
2023 Apprentice Ready Programme Dates:
- Term 2 Orientation Day: Wednesday 19th April 2023 (10 am – 2 pm)
- Term 2: Monday 29th May 2023 – Friday 26th June 2023 (enrolling now)
Remaining Music Programme Dates:
Term 3: Monday 17th July 2023 – Friday 15th September 2023
Term 4: Monday 9th October 2023 – Friday 8th December 2023
Times: Mondays and Tuesdays 10 am – 2pm
Apprentice Ready Programme is free for all rangatahi aged 18-24 that have a solid foundation in music.
What does Apprentice Ready Programme cover?
- Writing a CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Interview skills
- Finances and budgeting
Enquire by email or grab your spot today.
Enquire Today - Limited Spots Available
Enquire by filling out the form below.
Crescendo Artists Performing
Watch the 2021 documentary ‘the Collective’ following Crescendo students organising a gig.
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.
*All names have been changed to protect the privacy of our rangatahi