Questions?: IVANNA@theresidencyseattle.org

The Residency Youth Leadership Council offers a unique opportunity for alumni network to play a leadership role in shaping the future of our community and the music industry. If you’re passionate about Hip-Hop, developing your professional skills and advocating for our artistic community, we invite you to join us!

We are seeking four engaged alumni who will collaborate and support their peers to make a difference in our Seattle music scene.

You will:

Attend weekly working meetings, primarily held virtually
Support the planning, promotion, and execution of YLC events
Develop and strengthen event planning, project management, and organizational skills
Build and deliver professional presentations
Work alongside Residency staff, artists, alumni, and community partners
Participate in interactive experiences designed to connect you with the greater Seattle music and arts community
Gain exposure to different career pathways and opportunities within the music and creative industries
Contribute ideas and perspectives that help shape programming and experiences for future participants
Practice advocating for yourself, your peers, and the artistic community
Build your professional network and develop relationships with people working in the local music industry
Receive a stipend for your full participation in the program

Cohort runs from October 2026 - May 2027

Application Due: Sunday, September 25th

Interviews will be happening the first week of October

APPLY HERE

ALUMNI ONLY

This course will help prepare you for the next step in YOUR artistic journey. Strengthen your overall vocal ability and learn/develop skills used by professional singers like:

Emotional Expression

Articulation

Intentionality

Pitch/Tone

Timing & Breathing

Explore what it means to sing with confidence from the heart alongside Master Teacher: Erica Merritt.

Offered on a rolling basis Sept-Dec 2026.

SIGNUP HERE

The Residency is excited to offer a FREE DJ Workshop facilitated by teaching artist KD Cutz.

To ensure the best quality of a hands-on learning experience, we're limiting the class to 8 participants.

“With over 18 years of experience, KD's focus is making DJing accessible to all ages by teaching the fundamentals of the craft. He wants to help youth artist get insight on transitioning songs in a tasteful way and keeping their audience engaged based on the vibe they curate as a DJ.”

APPLICATION CLOSED: September 15th, 2026

WHEN: Saturdays 2-4pm

September 26th

October 3rd

October 10th

October 17th

Bring your pen, your ideas, and an open mind.

We’re breaking down bars, rhyme schemes, syllables, metaphors, wordplay, hooks, bridges, cadence, and flow—then figuring out which rules to keep, which ones to bend, and which ones to break completely.

And we’re going beyond just rhyming over beats.

Applications Closed

Congrats to our 2026 Cohort!

Thank you to each person who contributed to creating this wonderful experience. Young Artists collaborated, wrote/recorded original music, and performed. Check out some of our favorite moments from our Final Showcase at Nippon Kan Theatre.

Special shout-out to Seattle University for hosting our program.

our core programs

Contact Us

Summer Intensive Program

The main entryway into The Residency alumni network. 4 weeks that could change everything

What’s Included

Choose between Vocal or Production pathways
Collaborate, write, and record original music with other artists
Access to professional creatives, panels, workshops and career prep
Live final showcase performance with pro audio & venue
Paid stipend, meals and transportation covered

Who It's For:

Artists ages 16-24 ready to dive deep and build with peers

When:

Summer (applications open each spring)

Cost:

You get paid to participate!

ALUMNI DEVELOPMENT

elemental workshops

Immersive sessions led by local, professional artists. Learn to hone your craft and explore topics like: DJ, Artist Storytelling, Video & Social Media, Branding/Marketing, Financial Literacy.

Rolling Seasonal Access | Completely free

studio access

Professional recording time in a real studio with a pro Audio Engineer. Priority goes to artists who've never recorded before or want to collaborate across disciplines.

Seasonal access | Completely free

audio Engineering

Workshops and training opportunities that will take you from novice to expert through hands-on experience in a professional setting. Paid audio engineering and production positions including internships.

Select Offerings throughout the year

How it works

Choose a program that matches where you are and where you want to go. No fees, no gatekeeping—just real questions about your goals and commitment.
If accepted, you'll receive everything you need to succeed: schedules, support details (meals, transit, stipends), and any prep materials. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the work.
Participate in workshops, lessons, and creative projects led by working artists who've walked your path. Learn by doing, not just listening.
Perform, record, collaborate, and network through showcases, panels, and studio sessions. Meet professionals who can open real doors.
Alumni access year-round support, new workshops, scholarship opportunities, and paid performance gigs. THIS—is a community you grow with.

Where Do I Sign Up

READY TO BUILD