Sample into Sound.

Our introductory summer school is for emerging musicians, artists, producers and engineers who are looking to discover their skills in music, get to grips with the fundamentals of music production and live audio engineering, and enjoy a hands-on experience within our professional studios.

Summer School students getting to grips with our Charlie Jones Live Venue

Overview

This introductory course is offered exclusively to people aged 14 -18.   Made up of five days that each focus on a specific discipline, the course is ideal for young people to gain an insight into a range of opportunities in the music and sound industries.

With a blend of music production, studio recording and live sound engineering, you will explore the range of roles in and outside of the studio, collaborate with other creatives and build upon your growing knowledge.

Designed to introduce you to the different fields within the music industry, our music production summer course will give you the opportunity to sample different areas of music production, begin to build up your creative toolset and discover a discipline within music that compliments you and your skillset the most.

This short introductory course is the perfect stepping stone, from which you can progress onto a number of courses with us, including other summer schools, degree courses, and industry courses.

Key info

  • Qualification: Short Course Certificate
  • Duration: 5 days (non residential)
  • Hours of study: 5 hours a day
  • Start date: 3 August 2026
  • Fees: Early bird fees of £179 until 30 April. Usual fees of £199
  • Entry Requirements: Aged between 14 and 18 years old. Find out more

Get in touch

Get in touch

Get in touch

If you have any questions about this course, your application or if you'd like to arrange a tour of Spirit Studios, please get in touch on:

0161 276 2100 OR Contact us
22 Jan

Open Evening - Industry and Short Courses

Thursday 22 January 6:30pm (6:20 arrival)

Open Evenings are a great opportunity to find out more about our courses, meet our expert tutors and see our facilities in action.

Book your place

Sample into Sound course details

All of our courses are constantly evolving to ensure teaching and learning remain relevant and up to date. Here is the latest example of the curriculum for Sample into Sound:

Your course

From Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and Virtual Studio Technologies (VST’s), you will be introduced to the basics of music production, the different technical processes involved, as well as various creative approaches to making music.

During day 2, you will have the opportunity to learn your way around the desk, discover how to mic up and record a full drum kit within a studio environment and put your skills into practice using one of our Audient ASP8024|HE console desks.

On day 3, you will move out of the studio and into our very own on-site live venue to learn the basics of live audio engineering. Throughout the day, you will work together to set up the stage ready for a soundcheck, get hands on with a Soundcraft VI1 live digital console and learn about the various roles involved within live sound.

Throughout day 4, you will have the opportunity to step foot into our flagship studio, Spirit Studio, and get up close with our 48-channel NEVE AMS desk for a mixing session. You will also have the opportunity to have a go at mixing a multi-track in one of our other facilities.

On the morning of the final day, you will mic up and record a performer in our venue.  You will also vision mix camera feeds whilst they perform to create a video file .  In the afternoon, you will mix the recording, making sure it remains in sync with the video.

Teaching and learning

Teaching takes place in a variety of formats including informal, hands-on workshops and interactive demonstrations. Our aim throughout is to encourage your creative exploration and hone your technical skills, introducing you to all things music production and sound engineering.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be between 14 and 18 years of age, have good spoken/written English and basic IT skills.

Fees and funding

  • £179 Early bird fee*
  • £199 Normal fee

Early bird fees are available for applications received by 30 April.

How to apply

Click below to start your application

Apply now

Any questions? Speak to one of our course advisors

Business man

If you have any questions about this course, your application or if you'd like to arrange a tour of Spirit Studios, please get in touch on: