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UNDERGROUND
MUSIC
ACADEMY

PRESSURE MAKES DIAMONDS

REGISTER NOW FOR

UMA'S ONLINE FALL SEMESTER 2025

STARTING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29TH

THROUGH THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11TH. 

Each class is 2 hrs, once a week, for 6 weeks total. This allows high impact, so that you can fully focus during class time and have time to practice and build your skillset throughout the week.

All classes are available on demand, which allows high impact so you can fully focus on class time. 

BUILD A HOLISTIC SKILL SET WITH US

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR PROCESS, FROM START TO FINISH

FALL ONLINE SEMESTER '25 OVERVIEW

Ableton 101 with Kamau Baaqi

Sundays from 12-2PM EST USA

Comprehensive Production Masterclass + Signature Coaching with Demuir

Piano Theory 101 with Zo!

Tuesdays from 12-2PM EST USA

Sundays from 3-5PM EST USA

Alchemy of the DJ:

The Business of the DJ

with Rimarkable

Hear Me Now? with Coflo

Wednesdays from 10-12PM EST USA

Wednesdays from 6-8PM EST USA

STUDY WITH WORLD CLASS ARTISTS AND INSTRUCTORS, AND INTERNATIONAL COHORTS

Piano Theory 101
with Zo!

Piano Theory with Zo! offers a comprehensive and interactive exploration into the fundamentals of music theory by building skills in and based around note and chord identification, finger dexterity, practice techniques, key identification and basic music notation. Topics to be covered include: Major vs. minor scales, chords, intervals, circle of fifths and the basics music reading. This course genuinely captures the vastness of piano theory knowledge as it relates to modern music. Thus ensuring that by its completion, all students walk away with a solid foundation and understanding of various essential concepts.

Alchemy of the DJ:

The Business of the DJ

with Rimarkable

This online course is 6 weeks that will help you define your unique DJ identity, mission master essential business acumen needed to succeed. From contracts and electronic press kits to networking with industry professionals. Whether you’re aiming for the club, the festival stage, or private events, this course equips you with the artistry, strategy, and entrepreneurial mindset to thrive as a professional DJ. This course will not be held in person. Online only.

Hear Me Now?
with Coflo

This course is designed to help producers take their tracks from “almost there” to fully finished. Focusing on the fundamentals of post-production, students will build a clear, practical methodology for shaping the details that make a mix truly shine.We'll break down essential concepts like frequency masking, subtractive EQ, multiband and sidechain compression, stereo imaging, gain staging, parallel processing, saturation, limiting, and more—always through the lens of how these tools apply specifically to finishing music for clubs, festivals, and real-world sound systems.Through hands-on sessions, collaborative listening, project feedback, and in-depth analysis of real mixes, students will develop both their technical instincts and creative decision-making. The goal? To confidently finalize tracks that translate with power, clarity, and vibe—without sacrificing artistic intent just to be “technically right.”Think of this course as a sonic workout. There’s no magic button—just consistent reps that sharpen your ear, expand your vocabulary, and train your instincts. These methods are here to help you develop both technically and creatively, giving you the tools to express your musical ideas with more impact and intention. As your understanding deepens, so will your ability to ask the right questions, find the right solutions, and make the right moves in your mix.Just like learning an instrument or writing better songs, your sound gets stronger through practice. The more you work it out, the more you’ll grow into a true sonic tracksmith.

Comprehensive Production
Masterclass + Signature Coaching with Demuir

This 6 week online course is a deep dive program designed for producers who are serious about mastering their craft and elevating their sound to professional standards. Covering the full spectrum of music creation, from sound selection, arrangement, and mix-as-you-go workflows to mastering and release strategy—this course delivers both the technical precision and artistic insight behind Demuir’s globally recognized catalog in the underground electronic music industry.  The course harnesses Demuir's 20+ years of experience and highlights his workflow that has achieved consistent results that are active and visible in today's market. The course will include weekly videos with a comprehensive breakdown from Demuir. This course will not be held in person. Online only.

Ableton 101
with Kamau Baaqi

This 6 week course introduces you to Ableton Live as a creative instrument, not just software. Whether you're brand new to production or returning after a break, this class builds your confidence from the ground up.


Rather than diving deep into music theory, we’ll focus on fluency in the program itself: launching clips, building loops, layering sounds, shaping ideas, and eventually structuring your own original track. Through live demonstrations, guided practice, and weekly building blocks, you'll learn how to actually use Ableton to make music even if you’ve never opened the DAW prior.


The course culminates with a short original track, built entirely in Ableton Live using your own loops, edits, and effects, showcasing a powerful milestone that proves how far you’ve come. This course will not be held in person. Online only. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to join us on this educational journey.

 

Secure your spot today and take the first step towards securing your spot in these UMA courses today!

UNDERGROUND MUSIC ACADEMY
2025:

From the Boulevard
to the Stage

If pressure makes diamonds, Detroit is a diamond mine. “As works in progress, we’re the product of pressure and the perfect alchemy of extreme conditions” says @undergroundmusicacademy founder @waajeed “We use our conditions to lift our students to their best selves." Created in collaboration with Carhartt WIP, director Evan Zott explores our 2024 Elements Course alongside promoter and producer of Movement, Paxahua, the Detroit Techno Foundation, and Resident Advisor. 

 

Charting the journey of local talent to Movement Festival performers, Zott’s work offers an intimate look at how education and community can launch careers in electronic music. Centering ideas of motivation, inspiration and resilience, the resulting vignette pays testament to UMA’s work of empowering the next generation of music creators.

 

Sign-ups for UMA’s 2025 Online Fall semester begins today.

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ADDRESS

2990 East Grand Blvd 2nd Floor

Detroit, MI 48202

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© 2025 by UNDERGROUND MUSIC ACADEMY. 

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