March Break Music Tech Week
![March Break Music Tech Week March 10 - March 14. Kid's Morning Program ages 8-12 9:00-12:00pm $155 (Monday-Friday). Five day program: Rock band and music tech. Get hands on with a variety of instruments and music software. No musical experience necessary. Workshops for teens. Ages 13-19. 90 minute workshops $20 each. Topics: Intro to digital DJing, pedals and sound design, producing and arranging, collaboration and songwriting. Register and learn more at hamiltonmusiccollective.ca/march-break](https://hamiltonmusiccollective.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Poster-8.5-x-11-791x1024.jpg)
Join us for the second annual March Break Tech Week, offering musical fun for youth of all ages!
In our new morning program, kids ages 8-12 can create their own movie score and pick up a new instrument every day. Work with our skilled AIFEC instructors Garrett and Andrew to learn new instruments and explore Garageband on the iPad.
Teens ages 13 – 19 can choose from a variety of 90-minute workshops. Learn the basics of digital DJing, explore electronic music with Ableton, or get hands on with effects pedals. 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.
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Location: The HMC Centre for Performance and Education at The Gasworks (141 Park Street North, downtown Hamilton)
Dates: Monday March 10 – 14, 2025
Cost:
Kid’s Morning Program: $155 for five mornings (Monday – Friday 9:00-12:00pm).
Teen Workshops: $20 each (Various days/times, 90 minutes per workshop).
Morning Program (Ages 8 – 12)
This March Break, dive into the world of music with our exciting new morning program! Designed for kids ages 8–12, this week-long adventure (9am–12pm) lets students explore the art of songwriting 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 instructors Mr. Garrett in the beats lab and Mr. Andrew in 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: $155 for five mornings (March 10 – 14)
Teen Workshop Schedule (Ages 13 – 19):
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Intro to Digital DJing
Intro to Digital DJing with DJ Realistic
Aaron Sakala aka DJ Realistic (he/him) | Monday March 10 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Ages 13 – 19
Join Aaron Sakala aka DJ Realistic and get your hands on the decks with DVS (digital vinyl systems). DVS combines easy-to-use DJ software and your digital music collection with physical turntables and vinyl records. Dive into the basics of mixing and scratching with Serato in this hands-on workshop!
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How to Collaborate and Write Great Songs
How to Collaborate and Write Great Songs
Melissa Dutch (she/her) & Sasha Szlafarski (he/him)| Tuesday March 11 | 1:00 – 2:30pm | Ages 13 – 19
Join songwriter Melissa Dutch and producer/composer Sasha Szlafarski as they demonstrate tips and tricks to collaborate with others and write a great song. Experience the process and write lyrics and melodies together! Back by popular demand!
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From Song Idea to Produced Track
From Song Idea to Produced Track
Melissa Dutch (she/her) and Sasha Szlafarski (he/him)| Tuesday March 11 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm | Ages 13 – 19
Join producer/composer Sasha Szlafarski and songwriter Melissa Dutch as they show how to produce a high quality track using a microphone, midi instruments and your own computer! Learn how to record and layer vocals, virtual instruments and effects to turn your song idea into a finished track. Back by popular demand!
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Bring On The Bass
Bring On The Bass with DJ Ade
Adrian Duyzer aka DJ Ade (he/him) | Wednesday March 12 | 3:00 – 4:30pm | Ages 13 – 19
Put on your bass face for this sound design workshop, where you’ll create bass tones of such awesome power they’ll shake buildings and turn heads at traffic lights. Whether you want bass that pounds, thumps, wobbles, wubs or roars, this Ableton workshop will give you the strategies and techniques you need to create your own unique sounds, regardless of your skill level or software.
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Wired for Noise: Pedals & Beyond
Wired for Noise: Pedals & Beyond with Nim
Nim (they/them) | Thursday March 13 | 1:00 – 2:30pm | Ages 13 – 19
What’s with all that noise?! Join synth, bass, and live sound engineer Nim (Basement Revolver, Sound of Separation) for an electrifying exploration of noise music. Learn how to manipulate sound with effects pedals like reverb, delay and distortion to create wild soundscapes. Great for guitar/keyboard players and those interested in sonic experimentation!
Questions? Trouble with Registration? Email annie@hamiltonmusiccollective.ca
About Musical Futures Production Program:
A collection of innovative new music classes for youth interested in music technology, production, and songwriting.
Explore all our classes for youth here. Intake typically takes place in October and January.