NextGen Beats: AI, Technology & Music Creation (Grades 9-12)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus pharetra sapien eget cursus vehicula.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping how music is written, produced, and experienced. At the AI Music Production Camp, participants will get hands-on practice in the tools and techniques that are transforming digital music creation today. Designed for songwriters, beatmakers, music producers, and creatively curious coders, this immersive camp blends music technology with AI-powered creativity. Participants will explore AI-assisted audio mixing, sampling, sound synthesis, data-driven composition, and interactive music systems through instructor-led lessons and collaborative studio-style work sessions.

Throughout the week, campers will experiment with professional-grade AI music platforms and digital audio tools while building their own original, AI-enhanced music composition. The camp emphasizes both technical skill-building and creative exploration, helping students understand not just how these tools work, but how they expand artistic possibilities. The experience culminates in a final camp concert and listening session, where students will present their individual compositions and share their creative process.

AI Music Production Details

Program Director: Dr. Steven Lewis

Location: USF Tampa

Grade Levels: Rising 9th - 12th

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Cost: TBD


AI Music Production Offerings

Dates Campus Is this eligible for Rocky's Residents?
July 13th - 17th, 2026 USF Tampa Yes

What to Expect

AI Tools and Music Technology Foundations

Participants will explore powerful AI-driven platforms for music creation, learning how tools like AIVA and BandLab AI assist composition, sound design, and mixing.

Hands-on Production and Composition

Each day includes guided activity blocks where students apply emerging technology to real creative work, reinforcing new techniques while experimenting with their own sound ideas.

Collaborative Activities

In group work, participants will share insights, support each other鈥檚 projects, and explore creative problem solving together. 

Listening Sessions and Feedback

Through guided listening sessions, students will engage with peer work and expand their musical vocabulary and critical listening skills.

Step into the future of music creation with the AI Music Production Program for high school students. Campers will learn the foundations of modern music technology and explore how AI-powered tools like AIVA and BandLab AI can support composition, sound design, and mixing.

Through hands-on daily production blocks, collaborative workshops, and guided listening sessions, students will build real skills, sharpen their creative voice, and gain confidence sharing their work. The week culminates in a final showcase where campers present their AI-enhanced compositions in a camp concert experience.

Campers at Next Gen Beats

Useful Information

Registration & Program Details

When does registration open for the AI Music Production program?

Registration for all 2026 summer programs will open on February 1, 2026.

What is the capacity of the AI Music Production program?

Each session of the AI Music Production program has a capacity of 28.

Where is the AI Music Prodiction program located?

The AI Music Production program is located at the USF Tampa Campus, within the USF School of Music. The program's location is 3755 USF Holly Dr. MUS 101, Tampa, FL 33620.

What time is the drop-off and pick-up for the AI Music Producation program?

Our staff will be ready to greet your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM, with pick-up beginning at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for either drop-off or pick-up, please give us a call at (813) 974-3355 to keep us informed.

After registering for the AI Music Production program, when will I start receiving logistical details?

You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at the AI Music Production program.

Staff & Safety

Who are the USF Faculty/Staff who will be leading the AI Music Production program?

The AI Music Production program will be led by Steven Lewis who is an Assistant Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurism in the Arts at the University of South Florida, where he teaches courses in music technology, AI in music, and arts entrepreneurship. He holds a PhD in Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology from UC Irvine, an MM in Music Technology from NYU, an MM in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami, and a BM from USF. Prior to joining USF in August 2025, he taught music technology at the Atlantic Music Festival鈥檚 Future Music Lab and at UC Irvine, and worked as a show audio engineer with Meow Wolf. As a percussionist, music technologist, and multimedia artist, his work focuses on interactive music systems and augmented instruments that blend live sound processing, improvisation, and emerging technologies, with presentations at venues including NYCEMF, ICMC, SEAMUS, and GameSoundCon.

Are staff background-checked and trained?

Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete USF鈥檚 youth protection and safety training.

Residential Options

Are there residential options available for the AI Music Production program?

Yes, the AI Music Production program is eligible for Rocky鈥檚 Residents, a residential add-on offered for select high school programs. This option provides 6 days and 5 nights of supervised on-campus housing, meals, and evening programming that supports community building and exposure to university life.

Learn more about Rocky's Residents 

How can I register for Rocky's Residents residential add-on?

During registration for your day camp, you will have the option to add Rocky's Residents as part of the process. There is no separate registration required for the residential program.

Learn more about Rocky's Residents 

How much does the Rocky's Residents residential add-on cost?

The cost for Rocky's Residents is $1,395 per camper. This includes:

  • 6 days and 5 nights of accommodation at Juniper-Poplar Residence Hall
  • All meals provided at USF Dining Halls
  • Supervision and activities led by trained counselors
  • Recreation and wellness activities, including sports, fitness challenges, and more
  • Access to campus facilities, such as recreational fields and study lounges
  • A campus tour and presentations from USF Admissions and Student Success
  • Evening events with student organizations and USF faculty
  • Laundry facilities for campers' use
  • 24-hour on-call emergency maintenance and support

Cancellation & Changes

What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for USF Youth Experiences programs?

If you need to cancel or transfer a camp registration, please email youthxp@usf.edu.

Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp, minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer. No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed from camp due to a violation of the camp鈥檚 conduct policy or code of behavior.

We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.

Check out other similar USF Summer Camps!

Creative Writing with text stating "Creative Writing Grades 9-12"

Emerging storytellers (grades 9-12), bring your imagination to life at USF's Creative Writing Camp! Develop storytelling and writing techniques through workshops and expert guidance.

USF Art of Filmmaking with text stating "USF Art of FIlmmaking Grades 10-12"

Master scriptwriting, cinematography, sound, and editing while creating your own film project at Art of Filmmaking. Showcase your work to friends and family at the end of the week!

SAT/ACT Test Prep with text stating "SAT/ACT Test Prep Grades 9-12"

Test Prep offers year-round SAT and ACT preparation. SAT courses are available in person at our Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses, while both courses are also offered virtually.