Underground Music Academy

This Movement Weekend at we’re offering a series of workshops centered around artist development, music culture, creative sustainability, and well being.

We have a few slots for today by 12:30pm. Sign up at undergroundmusicacademy.com

Saturday, MAY 23
1:00 – 2:00 PM |
— Modular Synthesis

2:30 – 3:30 PM |
detroit ft Bree Rowe — Harm Reduction MI

4:00 – 5:00 PM |
— Making Electro on FL

Sign up at our new website undergroundmusicacademy.com

This Movement Weekend at we’re offering a series of workshops centered around artist development, music culture, creative sustainability, and well being.

We have a few slots for today by 12:30pm. Sign up at undergroundmusicacademy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 22
1:00 – 2:00 PM | — Movement Essential Tours W3rkshop

Detroit hip-hop legend Phat Kat joins UMA for an intimate conversation on artistry, legacy, authenticity, and his Movement Essential Tours happening this weekend.

2:30 – 3:30 PM | — The Business of Being a Promoter

Homero shares real-world insights on booking talent, venue relationships, and building sustainable music events.

4:00 – 5:00 PM | — Bystander Intervention Training with Rossi Clark | Avalon Healing Center

A practical session on recognizing and safely responding to harassment and harmful situations in nightlife and event spaces — tools every community member should have.

Early bird registration and scholarship applications for Underground Music Academy’s Spring 2026 Online Cohort are officially open.

We’re awarding 12 scholarships to artists, DJs, producers, who are ready to deepen their practice, expand their creative vision, and engage in a community-centered learning experience rooted in Detroit’s electronic music legacy.

We want to know who you are, your goals, your process, and what drives your work.

Applications close May 15, 2026 at 11:59PM ET.

Spring Cohort Runs:
June 1 – July 12, 2026

Apply now at our new website:
undergroundmusicacademy.com

At we know that Detroit influences the world. We are deeply proud to bring together this impactful group of artists who are pushing boundaries and shaping the future. This year, our stage will showcase the talents of and

Join us for the UMA Showcase, taking over the Detroit Stage on Sunday, May 24, 2026. You don’t want to miss this historic lineup.

UMA X Black Milk
Moderated by Sterling Toles
The Process

Join us at the for an exclusive workshop with acclaimed producer and artist A native Detroiter known for his genre-blending sound and work with some of hip-hop’s most respected voices, he’ll break down his creative process behind producing beats from sampling and drum programming to arrangement, sound selection, and developing a signature style.

Moderated by fellow Detroit native, producer and composer Sterling Toles, this interactive session will explore creative workflow, collaboration, and insights from Black Milk’s career in the music industry. In the second half of the workshop, Black Milk will demo beat making live, followed by an audience Q&A with both artists.

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

Underground Music Academy
2990 East Grand Blvd 2nd Floor
Detroit, MI 48202

Look for the Marquee outside our front porch.
Doors open at 12:15 PM and close promptly at 12:55 PM. Session begins at 1:00 PM sharp. Late entry will not be allowed.

UMA X Tim Kvasnosky
Scoring Commercials: From Brief to Final Delivery

Join us at the for our first two part workshop with Los Angeles based composer, producer, and Executive Creative Director at With his extensive experience in high profile advertising, film, and branded storytelling, Tim K specializes in crafting modern, emotionally resonant music that serves both the picture and the brand. This two week workshop is designed to give you a deep dive into scoring music for commercials, from interpreting the brief to final delivery.

This is UMA’s first W3rkshop presented in a two-week format. One registration payment covers both sessions. Saturday, March 7th, 2026 and Saturday, March 14th, 2026. Attendance on March 7th is mandatory. The first session is a prerequisite, and entry on March 14th will not be permitted without attending the March 7th session.

Saturday, March 7th, 2026
Saturday, March 14th, 2026

Underground Music Academy
2990 East Grand Blvd 2nd Floor
Detroit, MI 48202

Doors open at 12:30 PM and close promptly at 12:55 PM. Session begins at 1:00 PM sharp. Late entry will not be allowed.

Registration required for entry via undergroundmusicacademy.com
All registrations are final. No refunds.

is proud to announce the 2025 Elements Cohort, featuring Detroit’s rising stars: AK, DJ Killa Squid, Hypemelo, Isaac Prieto, Just Shacoi, Lady Witch, Nick Burgess, and Zoe Talley

This dynamic group represents the future of music—driven by creativity, curiosity, and a bold vision for what’s next. Supported by and , we’re excited to watch these artists grow and inspire the next generation.

AK
DJ Killa Squid
Hypemelo .wav
Isaac Prieto
Just Shacoi
Lady Witch
Nick Burgess
Zoe Talley

If pressure makes diamonds, Detroit is a diamond mine. “As works in progress, we’re shaped by pressure and the alchemy of extreme conditions,” says Underground Music Academy founder Waajeed. Created with Carhartt Work In Progress and director Evan Zott, this film follows local talent from UMA’s 2024 Elements Course to the Movement Electronic Music Festival stage showing how education and community spark careers in electronic music. Thanks to Paxahau Resident Advisor and Detroit Techno Foundation.

Sign up for UMA’s 2025 Online Fall semester today at www.undergroundmusicacdemy.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r5Q91jPDFo

UNDERGROUND MUSIC ACADEMY 2025: From the Boulevard to the Stage If pressure makes diamonds, Detroit is a diamond mine. “As works in progress, we’re the product of pressure and the perfect alchemy of extreme conditions” sa...

We are extremely excited for our intimate workshop with a future legend joining us this Friday. Due to popular demand, we’ve opened a few spots for this free in person W3rkshop with the beloved

Building a Sustainable Creative Career: A Diasporic Perspective

This workshop explores how to find your creative niche while remaining adaptable in a constantly evolving industry. Crystallmess will discuss the importance of community-building and share practical tips for sustaining a long-term career in music and the arts. Drawing from her experience as a Black artist living in France and Europe, she will offer insights into navigating creative work across cultures—and how these experiences can inform and translate to the Detroit landscape and similar diasporic contexts.

The UMA x Crystallmess W3rkshop is part of Red Bull’s B2B Programming 2025. Fueled by

This is an in person W3rkshop only. You must be registered to attend . Get here early. Doors close at 5:20pm

Friday, July 11, 2025
5:30pm - 6:30pm EST

Underground Music Academy
2990 East Grand Blvd 2nd Floor
Detroit, MI 48202

Photos by CHRIS LENSZ

Join us this Saturday for a W3rkshop led by Detroit’s own
Shaw is a local staple in the Detroit Electro scene and is quickly becoming a household name after his time in Hong Kong and Berlin. In this hands-on session, he’ll walk you through his full process for producing Electro—from start to finish. This in-person W3rkshop is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

Location:
Underground Music Academy
2990 East Grand Blvd, Second Floor
Detroit, MI 48202

Time:
W3rkshop begins promptly at 1:00 PM EST
Please arrive by 12:45 PM to check in.

Parking:
Available on the side of the building.

What to Bring:
No personal equipment is required, but you’re welcome to bring your own laptop if you’d like.

Space is limited, and registration is required.
Secure your spot by following the link in our bio. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of Detroit’s finest!