Youth Programmes: Music Mentoring

Crescendo Studio’s mentoring programmes focus on music production, audio engineering, radio and artist development. Young people are able to directly engage and connect with our mentors who are leading experts in the creative industries. This enables them to learn about a wide range of knowledge and skills, while also building inter-personal skills, building confidence and opening up career pathways.

YOUTH PROGRAMME DELIVERY OVERVIEW

Crescendo’s mentoring programmes are carefully designed to provide tauira/students, with solid hands-on technical skills, balanced with personal development to build confidence and self-esteem. At the heart of everything we do is high-quality professional mentoring to nurture youth (15-24yrs) towards success in their chosen pathway.

Through each of our programmes, youth progress to learn different aspects of sound, audio, recording and performance. The learning journey is personalised to help students build the skills needed to achieve their goals. All pathways can lead to paid employment opportunities and work experience with Crescendo Studio.

Potential mentees can register themselves or be referred through an agency or school. Crescendo can also offer 1-1 mentoring sessions by arrangement. 

Your Learning Journey

Your Learning Journey With Crescendo

How we teach

Topics

  • Music Performance
  • Live Sound
  • Studio Work/Production
  • Composition/Songwriting
  • Artist & Professional Development
  • DAW (Digital Audio Workdesk)
  • Event Management/Production

Delivery

  • Classroom-style
  • Hands-on Demonstration 
  • Presentation-style
  • Problem-solving
  • Practical Exercises
  • Public Performances
  • Projects and Assignments

Applying knowledge

  • Individual Projects
  • Collaborative Projects
  • Online Assessment Tools 
  • Written Reviews
  • Performances
  • Recording sessions 
  • Portfolios 

Students are expected to gain transferable skills and knowledge for media industry careers and pathways for further study. All courses emphasize students’ individual development, musicianship and wellbeing through the development of hard and soft skills

After the successful completion of a Crescendo workshop, course or youth programme, students will be awarded with a Crescendo Certificate, outlining both the soft and technical skills they have learned.  Each student will gain an understanding of not only what skills they’ve learned but also how to apply those skills, in any industry.

Impact Stories

  • Henry Langi
  • Community Programmes Director
  • Blue Light

I totally recommend Crescendo to other providers who are looking for passionate music instructors and tutors with great working Kaupapa that is in line with the you development principles Aotearoa. They are upfront about what they can and cannot deliver and do not over promise things but are able to take on advice and work together to achieve customer satisfaction. I would like to thank the Crescendo staff for the service they provide week in and week out.

  • Hollie Oswald
  • Social Worker
  • Oranga Tamariki

Crescendo Trust really invests in the tamariki and rangatahi they work with… I have had a really positive experience working alongside the staff at Crescendo, this is due to the great communication between staff and genuine care for the children’s needs. They have always been willing to compromise, get creative and make adaptations to their work so that the child can feel comfortable… I would highly recommend Crescendo for any young males, especially those with an interest in the music industry or those needing professional social interactions with male role models.

  • Keegan Tunks
  • Mentee / Crescendo Emerging Artist (20 years)
  • Crescendo

My interactions with the mentors have mostly been with Marcus Powell and David Atai… They offer valuable knowledge from their professional experience and provide fantastic opportunities to help develop the youth they with. They are also very down to earth and caring, and make everyone feel welcome, and their commitment to their work is both inspiring and appreciated. They have helped me become a more competent and confident musician, performer, radio host, and person… I believe Crescendo is doing vital work in empowering the youth of New Zealand and helping each of us be the best version of ourselves.

Q & A

Crescendo’s youth programs focus on a range of sound, performance, recording, writing and event management classes with an aim to empower young people to both express themselves as well as gain transferable skills that they can use in any future pathway. We lead with aroha and envision a future where young people are empowered to value the lives they lead.  We currently offer three main programmes:

Te Urunga – IIf 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.

Te Ara – 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.

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.

NEW One Voice Programme – A collaboration of many voices becoming one is a new rap, bars and beats programme designed to empower rangatahi to not only showcase their talents through lyrical expression, but to build confidence and self-esteem while learning writing, technical and wellbeing skills. In partnership with the Ministry of Social Development. If you are a budding rapper/MC… this unique programme is not to be missed!

Learn more about our youth programmes on our music mentoring programmes page. 

If you’re constantly singing, already writing your own lyrics, strumming out new songs and making beats at home then Crescendo is right for you. We can help you take your music from garage band to emerging artist, launching you into a future that is only limited by your own imagination.

Our main youth programmes Te Urunga, Te Ara and Mahi Waiata are free for qualifying youth 15-24. Our new Apprentice Ready Programme is launching in 2023. 

Fill in a registration form and we will be in touch to confirm your place.

Te Urunga classes are on Mondays and Tuesdays 10am – 1pm and run for 9 weeks. This is our ‘the entrance’ class. 

Te Ara classes are on Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4pm – 7pm depending on the intake and run in total for 9 weeks.

Mahi Waiata (the gig) are on Thursdays and Fridays 4pm – 7pm. However, additional hours may be agreed by the group to get performance ready. 

Visit the music programmes page for upcoming intakes and times

We also offer 2 hour 1:1 mentoring sessions for those looking for intensive sound recording and radio teaching and or want a way to ease into group work. 

 

Student Stories

  • Ben, age 19*

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” 

Luca, age 15*

“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” 

  • Jazmyn, age 22*

“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” 

Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa Programmes

Crescendo’s programmes are led by industry professionals, to suit every stage of your music journey. 

Enroll today and gain the skills you need to succeed in music and creative industries. 

Get in Touch About Youth Programmes

Fill out the form below to enquire about Crescendo’s programmes and 1-1 mentoring service. 

Mailing List

Want to be first in the know about exciting upcoming youth opportunities? 

Join the Crescendo mailing list to be notified of youth programmes, special events and music industry news.