What does a day at the Academy look like?

While there is really no such thing as a ‘typical’ day at the Academy, there are a few regular happenings. Each day, two iconic guests settle on our infamous lecture couch to spill the beans on production topics, music history and personal stories – and to answer all those questions you never found the right moment to ask. From Erykah Badu to Steve Reich, Gilberto Gil to James Murphy, this is where you get music wisdom straight from the horse’s mouth. You can watch hundreds of lecture sessions in our video archive.

In between lectures, you will have the chance to collaborate with other participants from all around the world in ten custom-built studios. You can listen to some of the music that has been created at previous editions of the Red Bull Music Academy here.

At night, the Academy opens up to the host city with special signature concerts and club events. This is your chance to dive deep into the local music scene – and hit the stage with some of those who have shaped today’s music. The result is an exchange of inspiration that is as unpredictable as it is hard to define. Ideas are bounced around 24/7, refreshing new sounds emerge and true bonds are forged beyond music.

Who can apply for the Academy?

The Academy is intended for anyone with a strong yen for music and a desire to be involved in its evolution. Whether you’re a producer, vocalist, instrumentalist, beat-maker, engineer, songwriter or DJ, you will be considered.

To join this journey, you don’t need to be able to play violin at Grade 8 level, name all the members of the Wu-Tang backwards or know how to disassemble an SP-1200 using only a dime and a toothpick. What we’re looking for is a passion for learning and sharing, enthusiasm for music across genres and a truly global, open-minded outlook.

Of course, there are a few stipulations. You must at least be as old as the minimum drinking age to apply. This means 21 for America and 18 for most of Europe, et cetera, et cetera.

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 or bands.

Here are some of the good people that have been through this experience before, something that many of them have described as life-changing.

How do I apply for the Academy?

Applications for the Red Bull Music Academy 2013 in New York City are now closed, but generally, all applicants need to fill in an extensive questionnaire ranging from nerd standards to personal philosophies to purely technical junk. Every application must be submitted with an accompanying audio CD (this means playable in a regular boombox). 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 DJ sets, or sailing the airwaves with your radio show, send us a mix. Just make sure you choose something entertaining and meaningful, something that will give us an idea of where you’re at right now. There is no set length we are looking for; in fact, shorter is sometimes better.

Any more questions? You might want to take a look at this tutorial video.

Either case, watch this space for more detailed information on how to apply for the 2014 Academy when it’s released early next year.

What happens once I've applied?

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 quotas for any country or genre of music, nor are there any winners or losers – simply a group of like-minded people who we think will interact well over two weeks.

Once the application period has closed, an international group of producers, label heads, music journalists and Academy couch team members carefully consider your application. 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.

It might happen that you don't get in: the number of incredibly talented individuals who apply every year far outnumbers the amount we are able to invite. If you’re not selected, it does not mean that you're not the kind of person we're looking for, so 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.

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 anything unrelated to the Red Bull Music Academy. Rest assured that no music is ever shared or passed on beyond the jury members.

What happens if you are selected?

All applicants will be notified whether their application was successful or not. For all successful applicants, the workshops and sessions in New York are free (and open only to selected participants). The Red Bull Music Academy also covers flights and accommodation costs.

The Academy doesn't give out certificates or sponsor artists. It's not about getting ‘discovered’ by a record label or learning how to ‘make it’ in the industry. We offer you a unique experience – one you're likely to never forget – filled to the brim with the inspiration you need to keep making the music that moves you.

Red Bull generally has no interest in using any of your music created at the Academy for any other than Academy matters, and doesn't obtain copyrights for any of your work. Creativity is the only currency here, music is what we live and stand for.

What happens during the rest of the year?

In addition to our annual main event, the Academy traverses the globe all year long, popping up for club nights, concerts, radio broadcasts, workshops and curated stages at top-flight festivals such as Sónar, Mutek, Movement, Montreux Jazz and many others.

For further flavour, we hold local workshop sessions in disparate locales each year, ranging from one-day lecture events to full-fledged mini-Academies over multiple days. Head here to keep an eye on what’s in store next.

For your daily dose of new music, you can also visit RBMA Radio and tune in to literally thousands of interviews, mixes, feature documentaries, artist-curated playlists and live recordings from some of the best festivals and clubs in the world. Head to our online magazine for coverage of the most interesting sounds and artists operating.

Who is behind the Red Bull Music Academy?

The people who have been running the Academy for the last 15 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.

The Red Bull Music Academy is not a sponsored event, but a long-term music initiative, committed to fostering creative exchange amongst those who have made and continue to make a difference in the world of sound. 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.

Any more questions, just drop us a line anytime y'all.

Is it worth it?

Well, we very much think so.

And so do a few other people.

“The Red Bull Music Academy is probably the most progressive entity of music education. I wanna be chosen for this!” - ?uestlove, The Roots

“Breakfast was solid, usually.” - Krystal Klear

“This was some life-changing shit.” - Flying Lotus