Music Industry Work Experience Programme
Get hands-on experience in a professional recording studio with Starcity Studios, Sutton, Surrey.
Are you a student aged 13–18 interested in music production, recording, music technology or the creative industries?
Our Starcity Industry Experience Programme gives young people the opportunity to explore the music industry, develop practical skills and experience what it is like to work in a professional recording studio.
Based at Starcity Studios in Sutton, Surrey, the programme offers an alternative to traditional work experience placements, combining practical studio sessions, creative learning and an introduction to the many career opportunities within the music industry.
Whether you are interested in becoming a music producer, recording engineer, songwriter, DJ or sound designer, this is an opportunity to start developing your skills and understanding of the industry.
What is the Starcity Industry Experience Programme?
The Starcity Industry Experience Programme is a structured, practical music industry work experience programme for students aged 13–18.
Over three or five days, participants work with experienced studio professionals and get hands-on experience using professional recording equipment, music production software and studio facilities.
Rather than simply observing from the sidelines, students take part in practical activities designed to introduce them to the creative and technical processes involved in making music.
The programme is suitable for students considering careers in music, audio production, recording, sound engineering, media production and the wider creative industries.
LEARN
Our programme introduces students to five key areas of music production and studio practice.
1. Introduction to the Recording Studio
Discover how a professional recording studio operates. Learn about studio equipment, microphones, mixing desks, signal flow, recording environments and the different roles involved in running a commercial music studio.
2. Recording Live Instruments
Get hands-on experience recording live instruments, including drums. Explore microphone placement, recording techniques, studio preparation and how engineers capture professional-quality performances.
3. Digital Music Production
Discover how modern music is created using digital audio workstations (DAWs). Explore virtual instruments, sampling, MIDI, sound design and creative production techniques.
4. Audio Mixing and Mastering
Learn how individual recordings are combined, balanced and processed to create a finished track. Explore EQ, compression, effects, mixing techniques and the fundamentals of mastering.
5. Creating Music for Film
Explore how music and sound are used in film and visual media. Learn about atmosphere, soundtracks, synchronisation and how producers create music to support a visual story.
Choose your programme
We offer two programme options to accommodate different work experience schedules.
Three-Day Industry Experience
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12 hours of practical studio experience.
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Introduction to professional recording and music production.
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Hands-on creative and technical activities.
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Suitable for students looking for a shorter introduction to the industry.
Price: £90 per student
Five-Day Industry Experience
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20 hours of practical studio experience.
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A more comprehensive introduction to music production and recording.
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Practical activities covering all five programme areas.
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Greater opportunity to develop skills and explore different creative industry roles.
Price: £150 per student
All programmes are delivered in small groups, with a maximum of six students, allowing participants to receive guidance and practical support.
Who is the programme for?
The Starcity Industry Experience Programme is designed for young people aged 13–18, including:
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Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students.
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Students undertaking secondary school work experience.
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Students interested in music production, recording and music technology.
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Young people considering careers in the creative industries.
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Students studying music, media or performing arts.
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Young people who want to explore a professional creative environment before choosing their next steps in education or training.
You do not need previous recording studio experience or advanced music production skills. The programme is suitable for beginners and those who already have an interest in making music.
Why choose Starcity Studios?
Starcity Studios is an established professional recording and music production studio in Sutton, Surrey.
Our facilities provide a real working studio environment where students can explore the technology, techniques and creative processes used by music professionals.
We believe young people should have opportunities to experience the creative industries first-hand, not just learn about them in a classroom. Our approach combines professional insight with practical learning, helping students build confidence, discover their interests and understand the range of opportunities available within the music industry.
A different approach to traditional work experience
Traditional work experience often involves observing employees in a workplace. However, a commercial recording studio operates differently. Client confidentiality and active recording sessions mean that unrestricted access to live client work is not always possible.
Our Industry Experience Programme has been developed to provide a more structured and practical alternative.
Students work through a planned programme of activities using professional facilities and equipment, gaining valuable insight into the industry while developing their own creative and technical skills.
What will students take away?
By the end of the programme, students will have:
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Experienced working in a professional recording studio.
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Developed an understanding of music production and recording techniques.
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Used professional studio equipment and music technology.
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Explored different roles and career pathways within the creative industries.
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Participated in practical music production activities.
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Developed confidence, creativity and technical understanding.
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Received feedback on their participation and learning.
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Received a Starcity Industry Experience completion certificate
SEND and accessibility
We want more young people to have access to professional music and creative experiences.
We welcome enquiries from schools, families and organisations supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
We can discuss individual access requirements in advance and explore appropriate adjustments to the learning environment, equipment, communication and programme delivery.
Please contact us before booking so that we can understand the student's needs and discuss how best to support their participation.
For schools, colleges and careers teams
We welcome enquiries from secondary schools, colleges, careers advisers, local authorities, youth organisations and education providers looking to arrange creative industry work experience for their students. The programme can be arranged around school work experience weeks, subject to availability.
We can provide programme information and discuss group bookings, scheduling, student requirements and potential partnership opportunities.
Book a Music Industry Work Experience Placement
Give your students the opportunity to experience the music industry from inside a professional recording studio.
Whether you are a parent looking for a work experience placement, a student exploring a future in music, or a school arranging creative industry placements, Starcity Studios would be happy to hear from you.