DJing & Turntablism Workshop with Nacho Marco
Instructor: Nacho Marco

In this workshop, attendants with no experience required will be introduced to the Art of Djing. Based on his 30+ years experience as an international DJ Nacho Marco will teach basic techniques like beatmatching, leveling, EQing and phrasing to more advanced techniques like hot cueing, looping, the use of FX and how to prepare a DJ mix.

An Introduction To Music Production with 7x Grammy Nominated Producer, Khaled Rohaim
Instructor: Khaled Rohaim

We have the ultimate pleasure of welcoming Grammy nominated and multi-platinum Egyptian producer Khaled Rohaim to XP Music Futures. An incredible talent who has produced for the likes of Travis Scott, Arianna Grande and Rihanna. In this introductory workshop to music production, Khaled will demonstrate his tried and tested skills and techniques in delivering the highest quality productions. Attendees will leave with an excellent understanding of the basics of music production having gained both theory and practical skills.
Participants are kindly asked to bring their headphone and laptop with enough space to download new software, as the workshop is partially administered online.

Ever Evolving House Music: Learning Live Improvisation & Modular Synth
Instructor: Satoshi Tomiie

International DJ and producer Satoshi Tomiie has decades of experience in music making. An artist who never stops evolving - Satoshi brings his new creative process to XP where he takes the inspiration out of the studio and in front of audiences where they become enveloped in his unique custom made performances. Eurorack modular synth is the centerpiece, bringing a challenging computer-less, full hardware set up on stage. Improvisation is key.

An Introduction To Arabic Podcasting & Audio Production
Instructors: Rana Daoud, Jana Qazzaz & Noureddine Bel-Lahcen

Building on SOWT’s extensive experience in producing and distributing Arabic audio content, SOWT’s team will provide a beginners workshop for podcast creation. Podcasts have become a pivotal part in the creative realm in recent times. It provides a vessel for artists, creatives and music industry professionals to tell their stories in a format they so choose. Discussing content in a way that’s engaging and informative for listeners, podcasts can be whatever you want them to be and SOWT lead this session helping you create exciting ideas, write excellent scripts and produce high quality content.

Scratch That
Instructor: DJ Michelle

At 11 years old, Dubai’s DJ Michelle has the world at her feet. Already an accomplished DJ, musician, fashion brand ambassador and author, Michelle is one of the hottest names and skilled DJ scratchers and mixers in the world despite her youth. In this 1 hour masterclass by DJ Michelle - she will be showcasing scratching/beat juggling/DJ routine and talking about the art of DJing.

Let’s Make A Drum Groove
Instructors: Dorar Almsarri, Nicholas Caldeira (Nicolau), Daniel Miller & Mishal Bahaian

The workshop is an introduction to electronic music production and it revolves around highlighting how one person can create sounds and tracks with the ease of software programs; without the need of instruments and musicians.
The class will familiarize Ableton’s layout and functionalities. Participants will learn to send midi signals to samples in individual channels as layers and then build multiple layers towards a groove.Participants will be critiqued by a panel of judges on their final drum groove production; a winner will be chosen to have a student slot in Merwas Academy.
Participants are kindly asked to bring their headphone and laptop with enough space to download new software, as the workshop is partially administered online.

The Price is Right
Instructors: Júlia dos Santos, Abdulaziz Saleem & Haifa Altuwaijri

Are you an aspiring musician, composer or producer? Dive into the world of international creative music agency MassiveMusic and industry experts as they guide you through a captivating journey on the value of music, providing you with the right tools to safeguard your compositions. Learn the secrets to never underselling your creativity while uncovering the essential elements of music pricing, including the art of valuing demos, production and usage rights.

Repotting The Seeds of Your Mind
Instructor: Raghad Fathaddin

In this activity, Raghad leads the group on the uses of planting as a process to set goals and identify best practices to nourish them and achieve them. This activity enables participants to identify the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset, set SMART goals, learn planning strategies to achieve their goals and as a result boost their wellbeing and sense of pride. From silent eye-gazing, identifying alternative growth mindset narratives, to setting SMART goals & understanding the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, this interactive session delivers ground breaking results and transitions you're unlikely to have seen before.

Shining A Light On Songwriters
Instructors: Mark Abou Jaoude, Jules Parker & Nada Elmeri 


Spotify has brought those normally renowned for working behind the scenes to the forefront. One the past 6 years, they’ve launched multiple products focusing on empowering and building awareness of songwriters, composers, and producers - plus highlighting the songwriting & production of performing artists. In this session, Spotify's regional and international teams will discuss what they’re doing to create a sustainable ecosystem for songwriters, enabling them to develop and improve with projects such as Written By playlists, Spotify Songwriting and Spotify Songwriting Marketing.

Sounds of Arabia

This introductory workshop to Qanun and Oud – two distinct instruments of Arabian Music – will lead you through various aspects and dimensions related to these instruments, including its historical significance, the organology of it, playing techniques and performance methods. The workshop will provide a practical learning experience by helping participants discover these instruments in a practical and tangible way through playing them with supervision from the teachers.

DJing & Turntablism Workshop with Nacho Marco
Instructor: Nacho Marco

In this workshop, attendants with no experience required will be introduced to the Art of Djing. Based on his 30+ years experience as an international DJ Nacho Marco will teach basic techniques like beatmatching, leveling, EQing and phrasing to more advanced techniques like hot cueing, looping, the use of FX and how to prepare a DJ mix.

Songwriting Camp
Instructors: Omar Kabbara & Anokhi Mashru


Embark on a creative journey at the YouTube Songwriting Camp workshop. Explore the collaborative process, inspiration, and techniques behind crafting captivating songs. Join accomplished songwriters as they share their expertise, offering valuable insights and practical advice on how to thrive in the dynamic world of songwriting on YouTube. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your songwriting skills and discover new avenues for artistic expression.

Dolby Atmos: From Mix To Playback

nstructors: Eric Horstmann, Salam Kmeid, Edwin Wilson & Sreejesh Nair

Surround sound technology at its’ best - Dolby Atmos removes the limits of creative expression for artists to create a spatial sound experience that puts YOU in the centre of your entertainment. In this workshop, Dolby Atmos bring their technology partners in AVID, Genelec and Anghami together to demonstrate the cohesive eco-system which supports their technology. They explore the workflow and process that Dolby Atmos plays at mix, studio and playback phases.

Customise Your Set: An Introduction To Visual Mapping & Projection
Instructor: Mahmoud Shiha

Epic 101 is one of the leading music production course, live visuals, and 3D projection mapping providers in Egypt. As one of the pioneers of visual mapping, Epic 101 has built a curriculum that will be customized for the XP experience. In this workshop, participants will get to take a condensed version of Epic 101’s VJing course. The workshop will give participants the tools and theory needed to begin exploring their own VJ journey. Hosted by Shiha, a co-founder of EPIC 101, who has brought up over a thousand students to learn music production, DJing, 3D and visual mapping, music composition, and more.

How To Brand Yourself As An Artist With TikTok
Instructor: Georges ‘Josh’ Rouhana

In this session, TikTok will be going through their Artist Handbook which goes through TikTok best practices from setting up your account properly, to the different content verticals to explore, how to promote your music with different content styles and TikTok features, how to grow and engage with fanbase etc.

Your Voice Is a Precious Instrument
Instructor: Sawsan Albahiti

In collaboration with Sawsan, this engaging interactive workshop will dive deep into the importance of vocal health. Your voice is an important instrument and taking care of that instrument is of pivotal significance.
Sawsan, a professional opera singer will lead the group through a variety of vocal exercises and applications which promote vocal wellness and best practice.

Music Industry 101
Instructor: Sarah El Miniawy

Demystify the music industry in this 1-hour session led by Sarah El Miniawy, founder of Simsara Music, tarkeeza.com and most recently Simsara Records. We will start by identifying the entities and specialisations found in any given music industry, before we dissect the remit of each of them and the complex web of relationships between them. This workshop will equip you with the essential knowledge and much needed clarity to become more intentional and confident in your work in today’s fast paced and ever changing music business. It is suitable for both DIY musicians and bands, and early career music managers. We will end the session with a round of Q&As to help you make more sense of the information shared.

Create Your Own Merchandise: On Demand, Zero Waste Fashion
Instructors: Kerry Huang & Amanda Parkes

Brand building is all part of becoming a successful artist. The role of merchandise within music and entertainment culture is of astronomical importance. Not only can merchandise by expensive but the volume and materials used to create merch is having a devastating impact on our planet. Pangaia and Spaarkd have a solution. In this workshop, PANGAIA introduce their generation defining app SPVKD which allows creators to establish their brands on environmentally friendly materials in a matter of minutes and with ZERO investment.

Showcase Your Work To Regional Record Labels
Instructors: Munira AlMuammar, Ahmed Shawly, Nina Zidani & Elia Mssawir

Do you want to set up a label but have no idea where to begin? Many artists contemplate whether it's worthwhile to start a label, although some may not understand its value within the music industry. If you are even thinking about it, chances are that you are on the right track as local, independently curated labels play an important role in every region's music ecosystem. Join this session to receive first-hand information on how to establish your label, including the dos and don'ts from a legal and infrastructure standpoint, so you can have the tools to make your music a solid business venture.
The session will close with an A&R session giving the audience the opportunity to playback tracks and get feedback from record labels.

PRACTICE – PLAY – PERFORM

This workshop aims to guide musicians of all levels on effective practice strategies, recognizing the significance of playfulness in music, and developing the necessary skills for delivering successful performances on stage. You can also expect to learn how to maximize the efficiency of your time while mastering your instrument (or voice), how to manage stage anxiety and how to connect with the audience in engaging and artistic ways.

Songwriting Workshop with Rodney Alejandro and Mayssa Karaa
Instructors: Rodney Alejandro & Mayssa Karaa

This dynamic workshop will provide aspiring musicians, songwriters, and producers with invaluable insights and practical techniques to take their musical creations to the next level. The session delves into the art and craft of songwriting, arrangement choices, and the music production process. You’ll have opportunity to learn and connect with fellow songwriters and producers to unlock the creative process.
1. Explore Songwriting Tools and Techniques - Uncover the secrets to crafting unforgettable songs that resonate with audiences.
2.Dive into Arrangement Choices - Gain a deep understanding of arrangement techniques and how they can enhance the emotional impact of your music
3.Demystify the Music Production Process - Step into the world of music production and gain practical knowledge of tools, software, and technologies used in modern music production.
4.Receive Song Feedback - Engage in interactive sessions where industry professionals will provide constructive feedback on your musical creations.
Additionally attendees will receive an official certificate of completion, courtesy of Berklee, Abu Dhabi.

Create Your First Loop With Ableton Live
Instructor: Camiel Daamen


During this session attendees with their computer, headphones and Ableton installed will learn the first steps of making music in Ableton.
In the first 10 minutes Camiel will show and explain the Ableton Interface and then participants will dive in and learn how to program a basic house beat. Camiel will demonstrate it- and then have all attendees do it on their system.
Participants will then learn to add bass, pads and other sounds.
After this initial session participants will be able to create a basic beat and add other musical elements. They will be able to make their first loops by themselves after this session.

The Future Of Nightlife: AI Driven Workshop
Instructors: Amani Semaan, Thamar Luthart, Coco Padding, Aziz Yagoub & Steven van Lummel

Nightlife is a vital part of the creative economy of a city or place. It drives talent development on many levels. The night is a springboard for upcoming entrepreneurs and creatives. During this interactive placemaking workshop we imagine what our future nightlife will look like. By physically working together and with the help of AI technology we create radical content that can be broadcasted outwards afterwards.
During the panel and workshop we share and create common values for how nightlife spaces should be set up. Pulling both from memory and personal vision the participants work in small groups of local promoters and delegates. They play around with physical objects and model their unique nightlife experience. Input from the conversations are used as prompts to drive the AI technology. On the screens these weirdly bizar and futuristic club settings will be displayed immediately. The content can be used afterwards for social media or reporting.

Spatial Audio: From Studio To Virtual To Live
Instructor: Adam Nicholas & Guillaume Le Nost



Awareness of spatial audio has been fueled by major streaming services adding new content daily from a robust studio production pipeline. Artists have become “spatially curious” and are seeking to go beyond the ubiquitous and oft-misused label of “immersive” to conceive experiences and imagine new worlds virtually and IRL which involve and engage the listener in new ways.
This workshop will define immersive/spatial audio and highlight the creator tools and successful implementations of in the areas of music creation and performance with first-hand accounts of DIY artists. Since 2016, numerous artists have leveraged L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive audio technology at every scale. A vision for the importance of spatial audio in crafting compelling virtual and IRL experiences will be shared.

Voice Your Body!
Instructor: Tara Al Dughaither



Voice Your Body! is a 45 minute vocal activation workshop that aims to open energetic channels of the voice through warm ups, calls and responses and chanting. The workshop is conducted with a harmonic instrument that is easy to follow. Participants will sit on the floor and it is recommended to bring your own mats / pillows. This workshop is open to anyone who wants to have a more intimate relationship with their voice and practice inner listening. no previous training needed however, practicing vocalists are more than welcome.

From Studio to Screen: Your Roadmap to Music Licensing in Advertising, Film & TV
Instructors: Phuong Nguyen, Quentin Bonface & Ibraheem Alkhairallah

MassiveMusic and industry experts from Netflix and Telfaz11 for an enlightening workshop on the synergy between music and brands including how to source music for content in advertising, film and TV. In this insightful session, their expert representatives will delve into the industry's perks and entry points, unveil client preferences and guide you in crafting a compelling portfolio, complete with briefings and demo sessions.

The Rhythm of Growth: Unveiling one of the Fastest Growing Music Region with IFPI’s First-Ever Regional Chart in MENA
Instructors: John Nolan & Lewis Morrison

Providing global music industry insights , the workshop uncovers the achievements, opportunities, challenges, and prospects of the MENA music market, highlighting the different approaches streaming services and record labels are taking to create the best possible landscape for talent in the region.

The Power Of The Pen
Instructors: Maha ElNabawi, Rana Wakim & Mohamad Sarty


Join Billboard for an insightful panel discussion that explores the dynamic and ever-evolving world of music journalism. Delve into the craft of storytelling, critical analysis, and the power of music writing as our esteemed panel of industry experts share their experiences and insights. From in-depth interviews to immersive features, discover the diverse approaches and techniques used to capture the essence of musical experiences and convey them to audiences worldwide. Whether you're an aspiring music journalist or a passionate music lover, this panel offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on the art and impact of music journalism from some of the industry's most respected voices. Don't miss this engaging conversation that celebrates the crucial role of music journalism in shaping the cultural landscape.

Optimising Music Revenue: Recognition Tech, Live Collection, and Distribution
Instructors: Frank Rodi, Charlotte Bwana, Yuri Dokter & Will Stephenson

Join industry leaders Paradise Worldwide, Pioneer DJ, DJ Monitor, and AudioMack for an enlightening panel on "Optimizing Music Revenue." Dive deep into the role of recognition technology, explore live collection strategies, and unpack innovative distribution models—all with the goal of maximizing artists' earnings. Delve into the imperative of fostering greater transparency within the music rights ecosystem, a key component for ensuring artists and labels receive their rightful earnings and maintain trust in the industry's revenue systems. Don't miss this essential discussion on advancing music revenue in today's digital era.

Maqam meets Jazz

In this workshop the participants will learn how to apply Arabic maqam on the standard Blue Bossa. We will also highlight some of the commonalities between certain Arabic maqams and jazz modes, with the opportunity of hands on practice, play and network.

Comprehensive Overview of Music Production

Masis Mardirossian will have an interactive session with the audience to discuss their experience and knowledge in the industry and then provide insights about how music production, when combined with education, can add value to the individual when working with artists, film directors, commercial institutes, and audio engineers.