Got song ideas brewing? Bring your instrument (or just your voice!) and work with our incredible artist-mentors to transform those sparks into fully-fledged songs. We’ll dive into song structure (verse, chorus, bridge – what makes them tick?), explore proven songwriting techniques, and then show you how to creatively break the rules. Get ready to refine your craft and make your songs shine!
Songwriting - Lyric Lab
Words have power! This deep dive into lyric writing will help you unlock your unique voice and find fresh inspiration. Explore techniques for crafting compelling narratives, vivid imagery, and memorable hooks that make your songs truly connect with listeners. Turn your thoughts and stories into lyrical gold.
Hip Hop
Ready to drop some bars? Join Mazbou Q, aka ‘The Rap Scientist’, to master the fundamentals of hip hop lyric writing, flow, rhyme, and cadence. Mazbou will break down the music theory and rhythmic intricacies behind killer verses, giving you the tools to incorporate authentic hip hop elements into your own unique sound.
Music Performance
Learn to DJ!
Who doesn't want to learn to DJ? Now’s your chance! Learn the essential ins and outs of DJing with the legendary DJ Shan from Aotearoa DJ Academy. Get hands-on with beatmatching, mixing, and understanding DJ gear. Depending on experience, we may offer beginner and more advanced sessions to get you spinning like a pro.
Sound Awesome Live
Take the mystery out of live sound! This workshop, led by an experienced sound engineer, is essential for any performer. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively with sound techs, understand stage setups, master your mic technique, and ensure you’re always prepared to deliver your best possible sound on stage.
Vocals Dojo
Elevate your singing! This workshop is for vocalists looking to expand their skills. You'll work on harmonies, refine your microphone technique for powerful delivery, and learn essential tips for vocal health to keep your voice in top condition.
Guitar Tone Mastery
An electric guitar workshop where you'll learn about guitars, amps and effects pedals to explore the possibilities within reverb, delay, distortion, fuzz, echo, chorus, boost, and compression, to help you craft signature tones.
All Things Drums
Drummers, this one’s for you! Level up your live performance game by exploring techniques like incorporating electronic drum pads, playing flawlessly to in-ear click tracks, and locking in with the band to create an undeniable groove.
Own the Stage! - Solo/Duo
Ready to captivate any audience? This workshop is packed with tips and techniques to boost your stage presence, connect authentically with your listeners, and perform with confidence. Perfect for anyone preparing for Rockquest or wanting to make a lasting impression live!
Own the Stage! - Bands
This workshop is a must for bands that have come to COMMOTION. Bands will each take a turn playing one of their songs on stage and getting feedback on your song arrangements and stage presence to help take you to the next level.
Jam Space
The Jam Space is your zone for spontaneous creation! Running throughout COMMOTION, it’s a dedicated area to meet other musicians, try out new ideas, and collaborate. Some sessions will even be facilitated by our inspiring tutors. Bring your instrument, your voice, and an open mind!
Music Production
Intro to Beatmaking & Production
The beauty of Electronic Music is that when you’re making music in this style, you’re also playing in the realm of designing sound itself - perhaps more-so than any other style of music. It’s actually really easy and fun to create the incredible sounds you’ve heard in your favourite tracks. In this workshop you’ll learn how to program your own beats, learn about synthesisers and sampling, using virtual instruments, recording your own vocals/instrument and more, as Paddy shows you through the whole production process in Ableton Live.
Record a Demo
If you have a song you'd like to record, you can get a demo recorded at the NMIT recording studio by professional producers. All attendees will be emailed in advance of COMMOTION to see who wants to pre-book this. Spaces will be limited.
Home Recording
Learn how to record yourself and why this is a vital part of being a musician in 2025. This workshop will cover things you need to know about recording your own music (vocals and instruments) and will cover software (DAW’s and plugins), audio interfaces and microphones.
Advanced Beatmaking & Production
If you create or record your own music on a computer, this workshop is for you. Bring your laptop, share your music, and get feedback and insights from our producer tutors.
Producer Breakdowns
Ever wondered how a track goes from raw ideas or recordings to a polished finalised track? This is your behind-the-scenes pass! Join our producer/tutors as they open up their own project files and deconstruct their original tracks layer by layer. Get insight into their creative workflows, decision-making processes, and go-to production techniques. This isn't just a listening session; it's a deep dive into their minds and methods, offering inspiration and practical tricks you can apply to your own music.
Make a Music Video
Got an amazing song and want to create visuals that pop, without needing a Hollywood budget? Discover the secrets to crafting compelling DIY music videos. Learn how to:
Develop killer concepts and storyboard your ideas effectively.
Shoot like a pro using accessible gear (yes, even your smartphone!).
Master simple but effective lighting and location techniques.
Get to grips with basic editing to make your video shine.
Unlock creative tricks to make your music video stand out and tell your unique story.
Future Music
Step into the sonic future! This workshop, led by sound designer, producer, and composer Dylan Galletly (Wolf Horse, STUDIO 7010™), is your gateway to the exciting worlds beyond traditional music creation. Dive into:
The Art of Sound Design: Learn how to sculpt unique sonic textures and build immersive audio environments.
Composing for Impact: Discover the techniques for creating powerful and effective music for video games, advertising, and other new media.
Future Music Technologies: Get a peek into emerging tools and technologies (e.g., interactive audio and real time visuals, AI and code tools) and explore their creative possibilities.
Music Industry
Getting Your Music Out There
Written a great song? Now what? This workshop maps out the journey of releasing your music. Learn about working with producers, effective distribution to streaming platforms, and promotional strategies to reach your audience.
Being an Artist on Social Media
Essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career as an artist, where it is thought that the music is 20% of the work and marketing and networking comprise 80% of the effort. In this workshop you’ll learn how to promote promote yourself on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, build an engaged fanbase, create compelling content, and authentically connect with your audience.
Soundshare Panel
Get feedback on your demo or recorded song by a panel of artist/mentors. Be one of a small number of attendees/bands to get constructive feedback on your work. All attendees will be emailed in advance of COMMOTION to see who wants to pre-book this.
Music Biz 101
Unlock the secrets to getting paid for your music! Learn from APRA AMCOS representative Trilby Crowther about music rights, royalties, licensing, distribution, labels, and the New Zealand music industry ecosystem, including the vital role of industry bodies like the NZ Music Commission. Understand the business side, understand what assistance is available, and empower your music career.
Artist/Tutor Q&A Panel
Your chance to get those burning questions answered! This fun and informal Q&A session allows you to anonymously submit questions for our diverse panel of artist-tutors, who will share their experiences, advice, and stories from their careers in music.