Make Your First Track Camp 2026
A 10-day hands-on music camp where teens create, record, refine, and perform their own original track with guidance from DRMI faculty and industry professionals.
Duration
2 weeks
Start
July 2026
Difficulty
Beginner
Award
Certificate of completion
Camp overview
From Idea to Track is a two-week music intensive for teens and young creators who want to make original music in a serious, hands-on environment.
Across 10 sessions, participants move through the full creative workflow: concept, songwriting, music theory, Ableton Live production, studio recording, arrangement, DJ basics, rehearsal, and final live presentation.
This is not a general summer activity. It is a focused creative journey built around one clear outcome: to develop an original song, track, or polished musical fragment and present it live.
Participants work step by step with DRMI faculty and music industry professionals, building confidence, creative discipline, and a meaningful first portfolio piece.
Songwriting + Production + Recording + Performance
Work in a studio-focused creative environment
Create and present original music
How will you learn
In-person group sessions over two weeks, 5 days per week
3 hours per day, 30 hours total
Small-group learning with close mentor feedback
Songwriting, theory, Ableton Live production, recording, DJ basics, and performance practice
Work with studio equipment, microphones, instruments, controllers, and music production software
Build one original track or polished fragment from first idea to final showcase
Present your work live at the end of the intensive
Learning outcomes
- Learning outcomes
- Develop an original musical idea from concept to structure
- Write hooks, melodies, lyrics, rhythms, and core song material
- Apply practical music theory to songwriting and production
- Build a project in Ableton Live using drums, bass, harmony, and lead elements
- Record vocals and/or instruments in a studio setting
- Edit, refine, and arrange recorded material into a complete composition or polished fragment
- Understand basic DJ and live performance preparation
- Prepare a stage format for presenting original music
- Gain confidence performing in front of an audience
- Leave with original music and a portfolio-ready creative outcome
This is a skills-based, non-credit training program focused on practical experience, creative development, and portfolio building.
Course structure
Explore references, creative prompts, mood, groove, pulse, repetition, and contrast. Participants define the emotional direction and sound identity of their track, leaving with several sketches and a clear concept.
Learn practical theory for songwriters and producers: notes, intervals, scales, keys, chords, harmony, song form, and ear training. The focus is on using theory directly inside writing and production.
Develop hooks, melodies, lyrics, phrasing, rhythm, and basic structure. Participants turn sketches into strong original material that becomes the foundation of the track.
Move the written idea into Ableton Live. Set tempo, build groove, create drums, bass, harmony, and lead parts, and shape the first production draft of the track.
Turn loops and sketches into a full musical form. Work on sections, transitions, pacing, layering, texture, energy, and flow to build a more complete arrangement.
Record vocals and/or live instruments in a studio setting. Learn microphone technique, studio workflow, performance capture, and how to prepare takes for editing.
Bring recorded vocals and instruments back into the project. Edit, comp, place, time, tune where appropriate, and refine the emotional and musical direction of the piece.
Prepare the track for presentation while learning DJ fundamentals: cueing, beatmatching, phrasing, controller workflow, and how original tracks can be integrated into a DJ format.
Choose the final presentation format: live vocal, DJ-based, or hybrid. Prepare stems, versions, routing, equipment needs, and simple stage elements for the final showcase.
Rehearse transitions, timing, stage presence, and equipment handling. The intensive concludes with a live presentation where participants perform their original work.
Requirements
- Teen-friendly program for young creators
- No prior production or songwriting experience required
- Basic musical experience is helpful but not required
- Participants should be ready to write, collaborate, record, rehearse, and perform
- All core studio and production equipment is provided during sessions
Fees & scholarships
Academic Year 2026
| Membership fee | AED 1,000 |
| Tuition fee | AED 3,000 |
| Total cost | AED 4,000 |
|---|
All prices listed are exclusive of VAT.
The total cost of AED 4,000 applies when fees are paid in full. A flexible installment plan is also available, with an additional charge applied to the total.
From time to time, we offer individual scholarships to newly admitted students. These scholarships are awarded through a competitive application process and may cover either partial or full tuition fees.
How to apply
Step-by-step process
Ready to apply? Here’s how the process works:
- Complete the online application form below.
- Pay the course fees upfront to reserve your spot. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with your schedule and all the necessary instructions.
- Attend your first class!