March Break Music Tech Week
Join us for the third annual March Break Tech Week, offering musical fun for youth of all ages!
In our morning program, kids ages 8-12 will create their own movie scores and pick up a new instrument every day. Work with our skilled music instructors to learn new instruments and explore Garageband on the iPad.
Teens ages 13 – 19 can choose from a variety of 90-minute workshops. Learn how a professional composer writes music for film, experiment with live looping, and get hands on with Ableton Live. Co-write with pro songwriters and producers, and get a taste of the Musical Futures Production Program from HMC.
All programs take place at The HMC Centre for Performance and Education at The Gasworks (141 Park St N, Hamilton).
Location: The HMC Centre for Performance and Education at The Gasworks (141 Park Street North, downtown Hamilton)
Dates: Monday March 16 – 20 2026
Cost:
Kid’s Morning Program: $165 for five mornings (Monday – Friday 9:00-12:00pm).
Teen Workshops: $20 each (Various days/times, 90 minutes per workshop). (8 person minimum to run workshops.)
Morning Program (Ages 8 – 12)
This March Break, dive into the world of music with our exciting morning program! Designed for kids ages 8–12, this week-long adventure (9am–12pm) lets students explore the art of songwriting, video, and music creation.
Students will get hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art music tech lab Soundhaus Studio, composing original movie scores on iPads and experimenting with a variety of traditional rock band instruments in a fun, daily jam-session. Working in groups with our experienced instructors in the beats lab and the jam room, students will develop their skills, learn how to create music solo and together, and leave with a song of their own to cherish forever. No prior musical experience is required—just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
By the end of the week, your child will have made new friends, learned to express themselves through music, and gained the confidence to jam with others and create new material. It’s a fun, educational, and unforgettable experience that will inspire young musicians of all levels.
Daily Schedule:
- 9:00 – 9:15am: Drop off
- 9:15 – 10:15am: Session 1 (Beats Lab / Jam Room)
- 10:15 – 10:30am: Snack break
- 10:30 – 11:30am: Session 2 (Jam Room / Beats Lab)
- 11:30 – 11:45pm: Clean up, Group Activity
- 11:45 – 12:00pm: Pick up
Cost: $165 for five mornings (March 16 – 20 2026)
Teen Workshop Schedule (Ages 13 – 19):
Writing Music for Movies & Video Games
Writing Music for Movies & Video Games with Sasha Szlafarski
Sasha Szlafarski | Tuesday March 17 | 1:00 – 2:30pm | Ages 13 – 19
Sasha Szlafarski, a local composer for film, television and video games, will break down how he writes cross-genre scores for a variety of media. Then, students will use Ableton Live to begin creating their own virtual ensemble and original music. No experience necessary.
How to Collaborate and Write Great Songs
How to Collaborate and Write Great Songs with Melissa Dutch
Melissa Dutch (she/her) | Wednesday March 18 | 1:00 – 2:30pm | Ages 13 – 19
Join songwriter Melissa Dutch in this hands on collaboration, where students will write and record an original song (topline) over a track! Experience the process and write lyrics and melodies together. Back by popular demand. No experience necessary.
Live Looping with Ableton
Live Looping with Ableton with DJ Ade
Adrian Duyzer aka DJ Ade (he/him) | Wednesday March 18 | 3:00 – 4:30pm | Ages 13 – 19
Creating music alone is already fun, but imagine how much fun it would be to become the whole band? Live looping makes it possible! Layer your voice, instrument or grooves, and build a track quickly using this engaging live and studio-friendly tool. DJ Ade will demonstrate his original looping app which makes jamming solo more fun and flexible than ever. For all instrumentalists and vocalists, at any experience level.
Questions? Trouble with Registration? Email annie@hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
About Musical Futures Production Program:
A collection of innovative music classes for youth interested in music technology, production, and songwriting. Classes take place in Soundhaus Studio, our specialized music production lab and recording studio.
Explore all our classes for youth here. Intake typically takes place in October and January.