About this course
Join Gaydio Academy's free Music Production training programme, funded by Youth Music and powered by Gear4music and taught by two of the world's leading DJs and music producers, Dave Cooper and Forbid. Over five weeks, you'll learn from industry professionals who have performed on some of the biggest stages and produced music played around the world.
Dave Cooper currently holds a residency with the Discoliscious Collective at UNVRS Ibiza, officially ranked the number one club in the world. He has performed at Reading & Leeds Festival, Parklife, Homobloc and Warehouse Project, to name a few. His production credits range from unofficial club edits and remixes supported by club and radio DJs across the UK and internationally, to original productions and official remixes, including for Grammy-nominated vocalist Kelli-Leigh on Armada Music.
Forbid's DJ credits include notable sets across the UK & Europe, with home-based Manchester performances at Homobloc, Warehouse Project, Ghosts of Garage, and multiple headline shows across London, Barcelona, Belgium & many more. As a producer, his music has been released with various labels such as Axwell's Axtone Records, AC Slater's Night Bass Records, Thrive Music, and that's just a few. With multi-million streams across his catalogue, he has established himself as one of the LGBTQ+ community's most exciting electronic music talents.
Through a series of relaxed, hands-on training sessions, you'll learn the fundamentals of music production using Ableton, from understanding the software and working with MIDI to building ideas, arranging tracks and shaping your sound. You'll explore effects, energy and mixing techniques before learning how to master your music for clubs and streaming platforms, all with guidance from experienced producers every step of the way.
Alongside the workshops, you'll receive one-to-one support, collaborate with other aspiring producers and gain access to progression opportunities through Gaydio Academy and our industry partners. By the end of the course, you'll have created your own original dance track from scratch and developed the confidence and skills to continue your journey as a music producer, whether you're completely new or already experimenting at home. Open to 12–25 year olds who can attend all five weeks of the cohort.
Skills you'll build
Is this course right for you?
If you have ever pictured yourself in the studio alongside the biggest artists, shaping their sound and producing their music, then this is the starting course for you. It is the first step on a path that could lead you towards working with the names you admire, and it is designed to give you a strong, inspiring foundation from which to begin.
How it works
6 'Become a Music Producer' cohorts run between January and June 2027, each delivered over a 5-week period — Cohort 1 always on a Tuesday, Cohort 2 always on a Thursday.
What you'll take away
You will leave with your own original dance track, produced from scratch in Ableton, and the confidence and skills to continue your journey as a music producer.
Practical & Criteria Info
Ready to apply?
All courses are completely free. No experience necessary.
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Gear4music is one of the UK’s leading music retailers, providing instruments and equipment for everyone from complete beginners to professional musicians. Founded in York in 2003, the company’s mission is to make music more accessible by offering great choice, value and service. Gear4music is delighted to support this course and help inspire the next generation of music and creative talent.
Since 1999, Youth Music have supported over 5,000 projects. Use our interactive map to discover how music is transforming lives in your community today.