A Beat Apart
AI Music Creation Workshop Across Continents!
Create music together, across continents, in real time with AI
What this is
A 2-hour, in-person guided workshop where students in San Francisco pair with a same-age buddy in Termoli, Italy, to co-create new music in real time with the help of AI. Each pair leaves with at least four original songs—instrumental or with lyrics.
What you’ll do
Pair with a buddy your age in Italy and create together in one shared session.
Begin with your own sounds (even recordings you made earlier): hum, beatbox, tap, sing, or play.
Shape ideas using AI music tools to explore rhythm, tone, instrumentation, and structure.
Speak naturally—built-in AI handles English ↔ Italian voice translation in real time (no typing).
Decide together: keep it instrumental or add lyrics.
Finish the session with 4+ brand-new songs to share.
Who can join (San Francisco)
Kids aged:
6–9 years: 2 spots left
10–13 years: 2 spots left
14+ years: 2 spots left
No prior music training or AI experience is required—curiosity and imagination are perfect.
Where & when
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: 2 hours (9:00 am – 11:00 am)
Location: San Francisco (in person, location provided upon acceptance)
Format: Fully supervised by experienced music teachers, step-by-step guidance on site
Your mentors
Paul Henry Smith (San Francisco)
Conductor, cellist, and music-tech educator; founder of Symphonic Laboratory. Paul helps young musicians turn personal ideas into shareable music using accessible AI tools.
Maestro Domenico Lombardi (Termoli, Italy)
Orchestra conductor, pianist, and composer with international experience. Domenico leads youth collaborations that blend creativity, performance instincts, and cross-cultural exchange.
Why this is special
Authentic first: your sounds start the music; AI amplifies what you create.
Global teamwork: collaborate live with a buddy overseas, across languages.
Fast outcomes: make multiple finished pieces in a single session.
Safe & supported: mentors keep the vibe positive, inclusive, and inspiring.
How to apply
(San Francisco)
We’ll confirm details with a parent/guardian.
Accepted students receive session time, SF venue, and simple prep tips.
FAQ
Do students need experience?
No—any level is welcome.
Is the session supervised?
Yes—fully guided in person by mentors in both cities.
What about language?
Students just talk—AI translates English ↔ Italian in real time.
Can we add lyrics?
Yes—pairs can keep pieces instrumental or add lyrics when ready.
Do we keep our songs?
Yes–all songs created are property of the creators to do with as they wish.