top of page

Young
Adults
Development in
Industry 

A social impact program set to launch in 2025/26. YADI is a combination of initiatives established by Blakwater in 2020 in order to increase youth engagement and provide safe space to explore aspirations along with guidance  from experienced producers and mentors. Our vision is to increase creative employment via teaching artistry while exposing our cohorts to large scale music and film industry opportunities under the tutelage of vetted professionals. 

yadi logo  (1).png

FELLOWSHIP + RESIDENCY + EMPLOYMENT

Objective

YADI is a cohort designed cultural and artist development program that aims to empower young adults 18-24 in Baltimore City by providing comprehensive training in various aspects of the music industry while connecting  them with both national and global collaborative opportunities. This program not only mentors participants in roles crucial for creative entrepreneurs but also incorporates a workforce development component, introducing them to teaching artist positions citywide and online.

Impact

We aim to empower a new generation of music industry professionals in Baltimore while fostering community engagement through the workforce development aspect of teaching music to K-8 students. The global component  of the program exposes local talent to artist around the world. Participants will not only gain valuable skills but also contribute to the development of the local music ecosystem. 

Baltimore 

Baltimore has the thriving components that make up a music city. The often overlooked and under worked talent gets unnoticed by local Fortune 500 companies and independent businesses. YADI aims to create pathways for both local residents  and transplants to become aware of the local talent base. 

Requirements

  • Age 18-24

  • Instrumental Abilities 

  • Creatively open to explore 

  • Dedicated and Driven 

  • Multidisciplinary 

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Family Engagement 

  • Resides in the Baltimore Area 

  • Available 2-8pm two days a week

  • Provides Artist Statement

  • 12-18 Month Commitment 

THE APPLICATION

Studying

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Mentorship Modules:

  • Marketing Strategies: Learn effective marketing techniques to promote independent artists.

  • Recording Engineering: Gain hands-on experience in the recording studio, mastering essential engineering skills.

  • Promotional Tactics: Understand the intricacies of promoting music through events, online platforms, and other channels.

  • Social Media Management: Develop expertise in managing social media accounts to enhance an artist's online presence.

  • Publishing and Sync Licensing: Explore the legal and business aspects of music publishing and sync licensing.

Branding and Image Building:

  • Brand Development: Learn how to create and maintain a strong brand identity for artists.

  • Image Building: Understand the role of image and aesthetics in the music industry.

Workforce Development-Youth Instruction:

  • Teaching Skills: Acquire skills to effectively teach music production and songwriting to K-8 students.

  • Lesson Planning: Develop lesson plans that cater to different age groups and learning styles.

  • Interactive Workshops: Engage in interactive workshops to enhance communication and teaching abilities.

  • Trained by Teaching Experts in the field of the arts. These training classes will prepare YADI fellows to work in school settings for both after-school and summer programs. 

Real-world Projects:

  • Hands-on Experience: Work on real projects related to marketing campaigns, music production, and promotions.

  • Collaborations: Collaborate with fellow participants to simulate real industry scenarios.

  • Industry Networking: Build connections with professionals in the local music scene.

  • Placement: Placement and Work for Hire opportunities for major music and film companies. 

Guest Speakers:

  • Industry Insights Sessions: Hear from guest speakers who are successful in various areas of the indie music business.

  • Professional Development Workshops featuring Collegiate Alumni, Major Agencies, Film Companies and Music Tech Leaders

Industry Tours/ Exchange:

  • Field Trips: Visit recording studios, music venues, and other relevant locations for a firsthand look at the industry

  • Teaching Artist Trips to NYC with Program and Industry  Partners 

  • Cultural Exchange: Travels to domestic and international communities to learn and collaborate on projects for release.


 

Final Showcase:

  • Project Presentation: Showcase acquired skills in a final project, such as organizing a music event, creating a marketing campaign, or producing an original piece.

Blakwater Production House
501c3 Fiscal Sponsor

map logo .png
blakwater logo .png

Thanks for subscribing!

© 2025 by BLAKWATER PRODUCTION HOUSE, BALTIMORE MARYLAND

218 West Saratoga Street 5th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21201 

bottom of page