NEW ORLEANS (press release) – For those living in New Orleans, the Trombone Shorty Foundation has setup a free pathway to better understanding many facets of the music industry, whether the dream is to be the singer behind the microphone, the engineer behind the recording console, or the record label sharing the music with the world.
This fall, the Fredman Music Business Institute will be hosting three separate programs for youth between the ages of 14-24, all of which promote professional development and growth within the music industry. Intro to FL Studio, Intro to the Music Industry, and Intro to Ableton Live are free to attend, but advance registration is required. A better description of each course, including program dates, can be found below, and those interested are encouraged to visit tromboneshortyfoundation.org/programs/fredman to learn more or register a student.
Intro to FL Studio: Register Here
Ready to make your own beats? This hands-on course introduces youth ages 14–24 to the fundamentals of music production using FL Studio, one of the most popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) in the industry. Whether you’re into hip-hop, R&B, EDM, or your own unique sound, this course will give you the tools to start creating music from scratch.
Participants will learn how to:
-Navigate FL Studio’s interface and workflow
-Create drum patterns, melodies, and basslines
-Use virtual instruments and audio effects
-Arrange tracks into full songs
-Export and share original music
No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity and a desire to learn. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in beat making and music production, and you’ll leave with your own original tracks.
The event is a program of the Trombone Shorty Foundation. This 6-class series will take place at the New Orleans Career Center, 1331 Kerelec St.
Program dates are:
Sept. 23
Sept. 25
Sept. 30
Oct. 2
Oct. 7
Oct. 9
All classes will occur from 5 – 7 p.m.
Intro to the Music Industry: Register Here
Curious about what it takes to succeed in the music industry, beyond the stage and studio? This four-part course introduces youth ages 14–24 to the key players, pathways, and possibilities in today’s music business.
Through interactive workshops and real-world examples, participants will explore:
-The structure of the music industry: labels, managers, agents, and more
-Music rights, royalties, and how artists get paid
-Career paths on and off stage: from performer to producer to promoter
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, manager, or just want to better understand how the industry works, this course offers a beginner-friendly foundation to help you take your first steps with confidence.
No experience required—just a passion for music and curiosity to learn.
The event is a program of the Trombone Shorty Foundation. This 4-class series will take place at the New Orleans Career Center, 1331 Kerelec St.
Program dates are:
Oct. 14
Oct. 16
Oct. 21
Oct. 23
All classes will occur from 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Intro to Ableton Live: Register Here
Step into the world of digital music creation with Ableton Live, the go-to software for producers, DJs, and live performers around the world. This beginner-friendly course is designed for youth aged 14–24 who want to explore beat-making, song arrangement, and live performance techniques using one of the most powerful digital audio workstations available.
In this hands-on course, participants will learn how to:
-Navigate Ableton Live’s interface and Session vs. Arrangement views
-Create and manipulate beats, loops, and samples
-Use MIDI instruments and audio effects
-Build complete tracks from start to finish
-Explore live performance tools within Ableton
Whether you’re into hip-hop, electronic, experimental, or any genre in between, this course offers a supportive space to dive into music production and unlock your creative potential.
No prior experience required—just a laptop, headphones, and a love for music. Some laptops will be available for use during the program time; however, bringing your own laptop and/or hard drive is strongly encouraged.
The event is a program of the Trombone Shorty Foundation. This 6-class series will take place at the New Orleans Career Center, 1331 Kerelec St.
Program dates are:
Nov. 4
Nov. 6
Nov. 11
Nov. 13
Nov. 18
Nov. 20
All classes will occur from 5 – 7 p.m.
