UNT Contemporary Music Making Camp

June 2 - 13, 2025 (see below for dates of separate sessions)
About the Camp

This camp consists of two parts:

  1. Songwriting & Arrangement
  2. Studio Production  

Songwriting & Arrangement: Designed to take students through all stages of the songwriting arrangement process. Focus will be on song inspiration, lyric creation, and structure/arrangement considerations. We will also explore some of the technical components that go into recording a song demo. Students will work in both a classroom setting and individually or in small groups. Students will leave with a recorded song demo. 

Studio Production: Designed to take students through all stages of the recording, mix, and master process in contemporary music. Focus will be on the technical and aesthetic considerations which go into a musically expressive song production. Students will work in both a classroom setting and individually or in small groups. Students will leave with a commercially-viable recorded song. 

This camp is organized with the two parts to act as the logical order of the music making process. While campers may choose to register for only one of the two parts, they are encouraged to register for both to get a more complete and in-depth experience. To register for both, we reccomend using the "Combined" registration option which includes a tuition discount. 

Both parts will conclude with a showcase of the work you’ve created each Friday, 4:15-6:00pm. Friends and family invited! 

This camp is open to songwriters and music producers with all ranges of experience, ages 14 and up.

Faculty

Federico Llach and Jeffrey Hepker are two of the UNT faculty members ushering in a new era of Commercial and Popular Music instruction at the University of North Texas. They are drawing from the UNT College of Music’s rich heritage of talent, commitment, and excellence. To this they are adding guided instruction in all genres of popular music songwriting, performance, and production, as well as examining how those are seated in the shifting landscape of today’s music industry. 

Tuition & Fees
  • $30 – Registration Fee
  • $635 – Tuition
  • $160 – Minor Housing (optional; double room with shared bath)
    • $50 per additional night (early arrival and/or late departure)
  • $40 – Minor Supervision Fee
    • Automatically assessed for participants under the age of 18 residing on campus. 
  • $200 – Adult Double Housing (optional; single room with shared bath)
    • $60 per additional night (early arrival and/or late departure) 
  • $240 – Adult Single Housing (optional; single room with private bath)
    • $70 per additional night (early arrival and/or late departure) 
  • $130 – Meal Plan (optional; Monday lunch-Friday lunch)
    • The meal plan is mandatory for all participants under the age of 18 staying in campus housing.
    • No option for additional meals. Those who require extra nights of housing can pay with cash or card at dining hall or go off campus (under 18 with supervision). 
  • $25 – Commuter Parking Permit (optional)  

Participants residing on campus must provide their own bedding (extra-long twin size), pillows, towels, and toiletries.  

Camp will conclude by 6:00pm on the respective Friday (S&A: 6/6; SP + Combined: 6/13)

Registration Information

To register, visit https://app.getacceptd.com/untmusicworkshops. Begin by selecting your Area (Contemporary Music Making) and Program (Songwriting & Arrangement). For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.

Registration Deadline

  • May 12, 2025

Registration Policy

  • Payment is due in full at the time of registration.
  • Participants must be 14 years old by the first day of camp.
  • Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.
Refund Policy
  • Requested by May 5, 2025 – Full refund less $130 ($30 registration fee + $100 administrative fee)
  • Requested by May 19, 2025 – Full refund less $230 ($30 registration fee + $200 administrative fee)
  • We are unable to process refunds requested after May 19, 2025.
  • No refunds will be provided should a participant be dismissed for violating UNT policy or program rules provided on the first day. 
Sample Schedule

Monday

9:00am - 10:20am Introduction to Songwriting & Finding Inspiration
10:45am - 12:15pm Developing Lyrics & Themes
12:15pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 2:30pm Writing Melodies
2:45pm - 4:15pm Collaborative Brainstorming: Song Concepts
4:15pm - 6:00pm Lab Time - Collaorative Work/Individual Feedback
6:00pm - 7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm - 8:30pm Evening Activity - Social Mixer

Tuesday

9:00am - 10:20am Songwriting Techniques
10:45am - 12:15pm Writing Chord Progression
12:15pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 2:30pm Drum Programming
2:45pm - 4:15pm Writing Melodies
4:15pm - 6:00pm Lab Time
6:00pm - 7:00pm  Dinner
7:00pm - 8:30pm Evening Activity - Open Mic

Wednesday

9:00am - 10:20am Drum Programming
10:45am - 12:15pm Song Structure: Verse, Chorus, Bridge
12:15pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 2:30pm Synth Design
2:45pm - 4:15pm Recording Approaches for Demos 
4:15pm - 6:00pm Lab Time
6:00pm - 7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm - 8:30pm Evening Activity - Social Mixer

Thursday

9:00am - 10:20am Recording Techniques & Equipmemnt
10:45am - 12:15pm Arrangement Principles
12:15pm - 1:00pm Lunch
2:45pm - 4:15pm Group Feedback on Recordings
4:15pm - 6:00pm Lab Time
6:00pm - 7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm - 8:30pm Evening Activity - Show and Tell

Friday

9:00am - 10:20am Final Song Development
10:45am - 12:15pm Personal Practice & Recording Session
12:15pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm - 2:30pm Listening Session & Feedback
2:45pm - 4:15pm Showcase Preparation
4:15pm - 6:00pm Showcase
6:00pm - 7:00pm Dinner

Additional questions? Email music.camps@unt.edu or call (940) 369-6541.