The Art and Business of Music Production

Learn from Veteran Producers Michael Whittaker & Akil Thompson

Session Master Academy

Here is your chance to learn about becoming a music producer!  

From Velvet Cinema Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, Emmy-nominated, veteran composer Michael Whittaker and Award winning producer Akil Thompson will share with you their knowledge and experiences about the art, process, and business of modern music production.  

After attending UCLA’s School of Music and majoring in Film Scoring, Michael has utilized his classical training and knowledge of orchestration to compose over 300 television episodes and TV movies including the popular Power Rangers. Currently Michael is independently scoring and producing for companies like Disney, Sony, NBC and Lions Gate Films.

Akil studied at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.  Kelly Clarkson, Jonny Lang, LeAnn Rimes, Joss Stone, Jewel, Nick Carter are just some of the many artists he has performed with.  He also has produced records for Various independent artists The Myers Brothers, Danny Chambers, Quimi, Kurtis Parks, Veronica Colon, Rachael Lampa, and National Community Church, Jason Eskridge, Jaclyn Torrento. 

About the Class

  • The seminar is a 5 week overview of the art, process and business of modern music production
  • Students will enjoy challenging real-world assignments producing tracks and learning the real word technics of the successful producer
  • Student will interact and critique each other in a positive environment where everyone is there to learn and improve
  • Requirements include a basic knowledge of music, a DAW (Protools, Digital audio workstation i.e. Digital Performer, Logic etc) and basic sounds to create arrangement ideas
  • A basic sample library will be given to students to use on their cues if needed.
  • Students will be taught by real world working producers with major credits
  • The goal is to give the student a real world perspective and prepare them for making money as a music producer
  • Finally the student will be given knowledge the many avenues to create passive income and find work in this vast industry