Introducing Our New Music Production Workshops for Schools & Young People

NextUp Arts Collective is expanding its creative education programme with the launch of our new Music Production Workshop, giving young people a practical introduction to electronic music, music technology and the creative process behind the music they listen to every day.

Developed for schools, youth organisations and creative learning settings, the workshop is designed to make modern music production accessible to young people regardless of their previous musical experience.

Meet Cóilín Phelan

Cóilín is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist working across electronic music, audiovisual performance and immersive digital environments.

He holds an MA in Visual Communication and a BA in Music, Media and Performance Technology, bringing together a background in music, digital technology and visual creative practice.

Cóilín was a recipient of a 2024 Artist Award from Wicklow County Council, while his wider creative work spans a number of electronic music and multidisciplinary projects. Across these projects, he has produced more than 50 live performances, with his work receiving support across platforms including AVA Festival, BBC Radio 1 and Dazed.

That combination of creative practice, technical knowledge and real-world experience makes him a natural fit for NextUp. One of the ideas at the heart of NextUp is that young people should have the opportunity to learn directly from people actively working within the creative industries. Cóilín brings exactly that perspective to our new Music Production Workshop.

More Than Learning Music Software

While participants are introduced to professional music production tools, the workshop isn't simply about learning how to use Ableton Live.

It is also about creative confidence, listening, collaboration, problem-solving and making decisions.

Led by working creative professionals, the session also gives young people an opportunity to learn more about the world surrounding contemporary music and the different pathways that exist across music production, performance, media, technology and the wider creative industries. Cóilín's own multidisciplinary background is particularly valuable here. His practice sits across music, performance, visual communication and digital technology, demonstrating that a career in the creative industries doesn't always follow one straightforward path.

Music Production Workshops for Schools, TY Groups & Youth Organisations

The new workshop has been designed to work across a range of educational and youth settings. It is available for secondary schools, Transition Year and LCA groups, youth organisations, cultural institutions and other organisations working with young people.

For schools looking for a practical TY workshop, it offers students an opportunity to explore an area of music and technology that may sit outside their normal classroom experience, while also introducing them to real-world creative skills and career pathways.

For youth and community organisations, the same workshop can provide an accessible introduction to electronic music and digital creativity without requiring participants to have previous musical training.

All specialist equipment is provided by NextUp, allowing organisations to host the workshop without needing their own music production facilities. Participants also receive a NextUp certificate recognising their involvement in the session.

What’s Next?

The Music Production Workshop represents the next stage in NextUp's growing programme of practical music and creative technology education.

Alongside our existing DJ Workshops, it allows us to give young people an increasingly broad introduction to the different ways music is created, performed and experienced today.We're delighted to have Cóilín joining the team and helping us build this next part of NextUp.

Interested in bringing a Music Production Workshop to your school or organisation?

Explore our Music Production Workshops or get in touch with NextUp Arts Collective to discuss a workshop for your group..