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 skills.

Free Music Production Programmes

Crescendo’s Pathway Programme provides a welcoming space for youth to come together to learn new skills and to work on producing their own songs and music.  Lead by practising NZ MC’s, musicians and artists, Crescendo classes are open to all levels, from those starting out and wanting to learn more to people who may be writing and producing their own songs.

During the 9 week courses, you will have access to industry standard recording, mixing and editing equipment and learn how to use gear as you need it. Each programme has a strong focus on positive health and wellbeing founded on the Māori health model Te Whare Tapa Whā.

At the completion of courses, there is a graduation concert where youth have the opportunity to perform songs they have been writing or working on individually or in collaboration with others on their course. 

 

Te Urunga - The Entrance

This course is suited to people that are interested in learning how to make and record music, or write better lyrics or rhymes. Classes are on Mondays and Tuesday 11am – 2pm for 9 weeks and in week 10 you have the opportunity to perform at our graduation event for family and friends. All genres.

Te Urunga is free to all rangatahi aged 15-24. 

“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.” Ben, age 19

Be mentored by MC’s, musicians and artists as you find your feet and grow as an artist and as a person. Join a community of young artists starting out in their careers.

Learn techniques for writing lyrics, composing songs, and get accustomed to the equipment, software and terminology you need to record professionally. 

Programme Structure

Te Urunga is delivered on Monday and Tuesday over nine weeks. On completion, you will receive a Crescendo Certificate of Achievement and get to showcase your music at a graduation event.

2024 Te Urunga Programme Dates: 

Monday and Tuesday, 11 am – 2 pm.

Term 2 –  Monday 29th April 2024 – Friday 27th June 2024
Term 3 –  Monday 29th July 2024 – Friday 27th September 2024
Term 4 –  Monday 14th October 2024 – Friday 13th December 2024

 This course is free for youth aged 15-24. Fill in the registration form below to secure your place. Have a question about the Te Urunga music and wellbeing programme?  Complete the enquiry form below.  

Te Ara - The Way

This course is suited to people that are currently writing songs, making beats, performing, producing or practising music.  Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 4pm – 7pm for 9 weeks. In week 10 you have the opportunity to learn live sound, hone your performance skills and and perform in the graduation concert.

Te Ara is free to all rangatahi aged 15-24. 

Maori west auckland rapper in Mahi Waita Crescendo

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.” Lucca, age 15

About Te Ara Youth Programme:

Explore the world of music and audio engineering in greater depth with the Te Ara programme. Hone your skills and specialise in your chosen genre of music, work directly with industry professionals and collaborate with your peers. Te Ara provides greater insight into audio engineering, music production, songwriting and artist development career pathways.

Programme Structure

Te Ara is delivered on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings over nine weeks. On completion, you will receive a Crescendo Certificate of Achievement and get to showcase your music at a graduation event.

2024 Te Ara Programme Dates: 

Monday to Wednesday 4 – 7 pm. 

Term 2 –  Monday 29th April 2024 – Friday 27th June 2024
Term 3 –  Monday 29th July 2024 – Friday 27th September 2024
Term 4 –  Monday 14th October 2024 – Friday 13th December 2024

Fill in the registration form below to secure your place in the next intake. Have a question about the Te Ara music and wellbeing programme?  Complete the enquiry form below.  

Apprentice Programme

This is your opportunity to gain hands-on work experience in the creative industry for Crescendo graduates or graduates of another course provider. (See enrolment criteria below). 

Apprentice Ryan standing next to stage speakers

“When I complete my apprenticeship, I want to pursue my career in audio engineering and build on the experience that I have gained and secure full-time work. I’m very grateful for this opportunity.” Ryan, age 23

About The Apprentice Programme:

This programme offers paid apprenticeships at Crescendo in four career pathways:

    • Audio Engineer
    • Content Producer
    • Event Organiser

You will learn the core skills required to work confidently in these professions at entry-level. You will get full support from a Pathways Coordinator throughout your apprenticeship. On completion, you will have the skills and experience to pursue your career goals in the creative industries.

Programme Structure

Part-time apprenticeships run 16 hours per week for six months with the next intake April 29th 2024.

Apprenticeship Enrolment Criteria: 

Complete the enquiry form to learn more about this programme. The Apprentice Programme is available for rangatahi aged 18-24. You will be a graduate of Crescendo or another course provider (SAE, Mainz, Excel, or similar).

Programme Enquiry & Notifications

Enquire by filling out the form below. 

Crescendo Artists Performing

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

Sign up to Crescendo’s mailing list to hear about upcoming programmes, courses and events.