The Experience Music Project (which now also includes the Science Fiction Museum) has been in Seattle since 2000. Housed in a completely unique 140,000 square foot Frank O. Gehry-designed space, the EMP takes on the status of “sculpture" as often as it does “building".

EMP blends interpretative, interactive exhibits with cutting-edge technology to educate visitors about the history, development and execution of anything musical. There’s a ton of rare artifacts and memorabilia…check out their exhibitions. It is a truly unique place and an equally unique experience when you visit.

Part of the EMP’s education-driven mission involves educational camps for young teens. Specifically, they conduct Teen Artist Workshops, which take place in the summer and are for teens going into 8^th through 11^th grades. Whatever musical interests the teens have, there is a workshop that will help them to develop that skill. Teens receive one-on-one training from industry professionals and each session culminates in a final project or event that showcases creativity through music.

                                           Photo by Rick Barry, courtesy of EMP|SFM.

Mackie was asked to get involved with a Songwriting Workshop this summer where students explore various songwriting styles and spend the week writing and recording their own songs. Mackie armed the teens with Onyx Satellites and Tracktion 3 for recording purposes. The Satellite is perfect for educational endeavors. The Onyx mic preamps sound great and the integrated monitor control section makes it an all-in-one solution for anyone who needs a small interface. Plus, the dual headphone outputs make it very easy for students to pair up and record.

Tracktion 3 is also great for students, as the single screen interface is very easy to learn and use.

Photo by Laura Rapoport, courtesy of EMP|SFM.

Check out EMP’s education section to learn more about these great workshops.