The Red Bull Music Academy is a world-travelling series of music workshops and festivals: a platform for those who shape our musical future.
Two groups of 30 selected participants - producers, vocalists, DJs, instrumentalists, and allround musical mavericks from all around the globe - come together in a new city each year for two weeks worth of recording sessions, lectures by musical luminaries, and unforgettable late night jams.

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First-hand revelations are few and far between. But each Academy term sees several, as two guests settle on our infamous lecture couch every day to spill the beans on production topics and music history, and answer all those questions you’ve never found the right moment to ask.
Last year’s edition in London saw the likes of Detroit legend Moodymann speaking the KDJ gospel, and the Billboards’ favourite cityboy Mark Ronson explaining the roots of his modern vintage sound. There were insights into sound from rap enigma Jay Electronica and American minimalist pioneer Steve Reich alike, while Henrik Schwarz and Bugge Wesseltoft broke down their very own approach to jazz and house. Electronic originator Cosey Fanni Tutti gave us a window into her synthesis sources, while German mischief-makers Modeselektor crossed techno and hip hop borderlines in an impromptu live session.
When not getting tips on sound in all its forms, Academy attendees can shoot the breeze over lunch, gather in the radio studio to join live broadcasts, or jam to their heart’s satisfaction in one of the many studios on site. You can expect everyone’s collaborative mind to be wide open, as the studio tutors and guest lecturers look for new perspectives on the creative process too.
Don’t think it ends there though, as the best place to process all this information is out in the city, when the nightlife becomes the final frontier of sound. Whether once-in-a-lifetime concerts or dedicated DJs transform- ing the club: when the Red Bull Music Academy rolls into town, it doesn’t slow down ‘til it’s over.
The Academy is intended for anyone with a strong yen for music and a desire to be involved in its evolution: producers, instrumentalists, MCs, singers, DJs, engineers, broadcasters, laptop lapdancers, guitar guerreros, soulful songwriters - they'll all be considered.
No particular set of skills is necessary. You don’t need platinum disc experience or crate after crate of rare 45’s. It's about having a creative vision, an honest attitude and an open approach. You'll need to be 21 or over when the Academy workshop starts, but there's no age limit other than that.
No one will forbid you and your entire crew to enter individually. But please do understand that fairness, logistics, and our desire to create open socio-dynamics, do not allow us to invite entire crews.
The application form for the 2012 Red Bull Music Academy in New York will be available for download on this site from February 2. Deadline for all applications is April 2, 2012.
Generally, all applicants need to fill in an extensive questionnaire, ranging from nerd standards to personal to purely technical. Every application must be submitted with an accompanying audio CD: if you’re planning to showcase your songwriting skills, production prowess, or flair for arrangement, choose a selection of your own tracks that you're feeling the most. If you've been ruling the floors with your selections, or sailing the airwaves with your radio show, send us a mix. Just make sure you choose something that says where you’re at right now.
Once the application period has closed, an international group of producers, label heads, music journalists, and Academy couch team members carefully consider your application, and they take great care to listen to your music with focused attention. Every application is read and listened to by at least two people. They're not influenced by hearsay or propaganda in their decision. It's simply about you, your music and your personality.
Unfortunately, we cannot return any material we receive, so you may want to keep a copy of whatever you submit for yourself. We will not use any of your information for purposes unrelated to the Red Bull Music Academy.
For each Academy, two groups of 30 participants are chosen to represent a wide range of cultures, musical backgrounds, experience levels, and set of skills. There are no set quotas for any country or genre of music; everyone has an equal chance of coming along. There's no winners or losers, simply a group of like-minded people who we think will interact well over two weeks.
If you don't get in, it does not mean that you're not the kind of person we're looking for. Often the number of potential participants far outnumbers the amount we are able to invite. You should definitely apply again: next year, you might be just the person to create the right balance in the final selection of 60 people.
All applicants will be notified whether their application was successful or not. For all successful applicants, all workshops and sessions are free (and open only to selected participants). The Red Bull Music Academy also covers the flight and accommodation costs.
The Academy doesn't give out certificates or sponsor artists. It's not about getting 'discovered' by a record label either, or 'learn' how to make it in the industry. We offer you a unique experience filled with the inspiration you need to keep making the music that moves you, one you're likely to never forget.
Red Bull generally has no interest in using any of your music created at the Academy to any other than RBMA matters, and doesn't obtain copyrights to any of your work. Creativity is the only currency here, music what we live and stand for.
Any more questions, just drop us a line anytime y'all.
The people who have been running the Red Bull Music Academy for the last 14 years are committed music lovers just like you. They're journalists whose love for music led them to feature-writing instead of navel gazing. Label heads who started putting out music to further their home town scenes. People who hail from different points on the globe, but all honour and respect the spectrum.
Local Red Bull Music Academy representatives are available to answer any of your questions, and will also take care of your travel logistics if you're invited. Find a list of contacts here.
