• Take the tour and apply now

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    Want a taste of the Academy?
    Attend sessions near you.

    Join in!
    Download the application form.

    Need help applying?
    Get in touch via the Twitter Helpdesk.

  • The Red Bull Music Academy is a world-travelling workshop and festival, a platform for those who make a difference in today's musical landscape.

    This year we touch down in New York, home to the Yankees, Coney Island hot dogs and some of the most game-changing music of the 20th century. 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 are looking for is passion for learning and sharing, enthusiasm for music across genres, and a truly global, open-minded outlook.

    See what a typical day at the Academy looks like …

  • A day at the academy

    11am - Pick up at hotel

    11.30am - Breakfast

    12pm - First Lecture of the day

    2pm - Studio time

    2.30pm - Lunch

    3pm - Second lecture

    5.30pm - More studio time

    7pm - Dinner

    8pm - More studio time

    10pm - Showtime

    2am - Even more studio time

    Repeat ad infinitum

  • Lectures

    This is where you get to hear music knowledge straight from the source: from Tony Visconti explaining how to use a Harmonizer to Erykah Badu recounting sampling sessions with J Dilla.

    DOOM, Madrid 2011

    Want to see more lectures from our archive? Click here.

    "It could be technical, it could be spiritual, it could be about life, it could be about a lot of things. It's just so inspiring to know that there are people out there who think exactly the way that you do; that you're not crazy."
    Jesse Boykins III (USA)
    Former Participant

  • Studio time

    Grab some gear from the equipment room. Set it up in one of ten custom-built studios. And see what happens when like-minded folks from around the globe combine forces.

    Various Assets - Not For Sale

    Listen to tunes created at the Red Bull Music Academy 2011 in Madrid
    "It's kinda like being thrown into a music production dreamland. Literally all your expectations of what could possibly happen are outdone and you're left pinching yourself."
    Krystal Klear (IRL)
    Former Participant

  • Showtime

    Every night, there's a concert or club event happening somewhere in the city. And you are invited to perform alongside contemporary and classic innovators as well as stalwarts of the local scene.

    "Only the finest of nocturnal troopers can handle the Academy nights and if you are not one yet, you sure will be by the end of the term."
    Nightwave (GBR)
    Former Participant

  • Who can apply?

    Producers, Instrumentalists, MCs, Singers, DJs, Engineers, Broadcasters, Laptop Lapdancers, Guitar Guerreros, Soulful Songwriters, Anyone… You.

    That is, if you've got a strong yen for music and desire to be involved in its evolution. And you're over 21.

  • What we need from you:

    Your application form

    A CD of your finest

    Two groups of 30 participants are chosen to represent a wide range of cultures, musical backgrounds, experience levels and set of skills. Every application is read and listened to by at least two people from a group of international producers, label heads, music journalists and the Academy couch team.

    And remember: It's not a competition. There are no winners or losers. We are searching for a unique group of participants who will interact best, and in the most diverse way possible over the course of two weeks.

  • Apply Now

    Download application form

    Make sure your application is complete and postmarked before April 2, 2012.

  • Did we miss something?

    Each week a former participant of the Red Bull Music Academy will be on Twitter to answer the questions you always wanted to ask. This week:

     

    Brenmar (USA)
    @bbrenmar

    For further information read the FAQ or email apply@redbullmusicacademy.com

     

  • Straight from the horses mouth: See what Erykah Badu, Bootsy Collins, Benji B, Jesse Boykins III, Andrea Balency and Salva have to say about their experience at the Academy.

  • See you in New York!