Crescendo’s Music Academy is perfect for youth who want to improve their songwriting, production, and audio engineering skills, or who want a career in the music industry as an artist, producer or engineer.
All our programmes are 10 weeks in length to coincide with school terms. Days and times vary depending on the programme. At the end of the 10 weeks, there is a graduation concert where youth have the chance to showcase a song or music piece they have been working on over the term.
Our Music Academy Programmes:
Some clips from our Graduation Concerts
Our Youth Mentors
David Atai
Music Production Mentor
Over the past 20 years, David has built a dynamic career in music as a guitarist, music producer, songwriter, audio engineer and performing artist. Along the way, he's had the chance to perform globally, work with some of the best musicians and engineers and receive numerous awards. At Crescendo, David brings his two decades of experience to support the next generation of musicians. Crescendo offers him the opportunity to not only share his skills but also continue to grow alongside those he mentors. He empowers rangatahi to explore their creative journeys, encouraging them to dive into every aspect of their craft, just as he did. When he’s not making music, you’ll find him driving — another form of self-expression that keeps him grounded.
Jasmine Penne
Youth Mentor
Jasmine's passion lies in sharing her experiences with rangatahi, guiding them as they explore the healing power of music. Her connection to music spans production, beat making, singing, songwriting, live performance and organising hip-hop and R&B events. She is a proud Māori wahine from South Auckland, hailing from Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Porou iwi. Her achievements include winning the 2020 Ta Manu Tito Waiata and E Tū Whānau songwriting awards and establishing her own Hip Hop and RnB event, Rhythm & Poetry. Jasmine aims to provide a nurturing environment for rangatahi to explore music as a tool for expression and growth, both technically and emotionally. Jasmine stays grounded through gratitude, connecting with whānau and friends and using music as a therapeutic outlet.
Ciara Bernstein
Youth Mentor
Ciara is passionate about community and connection. As a Youth Mentor, she’s discovered how rewarding the role is, finding that she learns as much from the rangatahi as she shares with them. She began her musical journey as a guitarist and drummer in bands. She has a Bachelor of Audio Engineering, and in 2018, founded The Vault – a DIY all-ages venue, recording studio and practice space, which became a thriving, inclusive creative community. Ciara is eager to help others discover the transformative power of music through her work at Crescendo. She recommends drumming as a self-care practice, believing there's no better way to clear the mind and relieve stress.
Louise Sang Cheung Burling
Youth Mentor
Louise is a classically trained concert pianist who has evolved into a self-taught producer and audio engineer. She holds a LTCL/ATCL in Pianoforte from Trinity College in London and a MArch Professor in Architectural Design from the University of Auckland. She combines creativity with technical expertise in her musical and professional pursuits, believing that making life art is her greatest achievement. Her work with Crescendo is fuelled by a desire to support rangatahi in their musical ambitions. She aims to mentor young artists to help them recognise their value and grow as creators in society. Louise’s self-care practice often involves a ritual of cleaning both herself and her space — whether that’s washing her hair or tidying her studio. She finds peace and clarity in creating a clean, organised environment.
Kevin Vane
Youth Mentor
Kevin is a beat maker and producer of Samoan descent who was born and raised in Mt Roskill. He is a talented musician who has won numerous national awards including Jazz soloist of the year, Jazz combo of the year and was part of the Big Band of the year for NZ High Schools. He was first drawn to Crescendo as a producer/mix engineer and would use the studio outside of classes to work on his own beats and to produce music for other artists. In 2025 he completed Crescendo’s Audio Engineer Internship programme. Kevin enjoys sharing his knowledge of music and wellbeing and loves finding opportunities artists and producers to collaborate on songs. When not in the studio or making music, Kevin enjoys spending time with his young family.
Everybody starts somewhere so if you love music and need a safe space to go be yourself start here.
- Helena-Wikitoria
I learned so much from other people and about myself, just being able to collaborate with others musically is a dream.
- Ennia
I'm doing the Crescendo Internship to utilise the knowledge and get a job in the industry, with the final goal being freelancing as a producer & musician!
- Devon
