AMLA Summer Music Institute 2026
Anti-Violence Songwriting & Music Production Program
Program Dates
June 29, 2026 – August 7, 2026
Schedule
Monday – Thursday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Location
Artists and Musicians of Latin America (AMLA)
4261 N. 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
About This Program
The AMLA Summer Anti-Violence Songwriting & Music Production Program brings together young artists to explore music as a tool for self-expression, community building, and social change.
Students will:
• Learn songwriting techniques
• Create original music and lyrics
• Explore music production using Soundtrap
• Discuss anti-violence and social justice themes
• Develop performance skills and stage presence
• Record original songs
• Perform in the AMLA Summer Showcase
Program Expectations
Students are expected to:
• Attend regularly and arrive on time
• Participate in discussions and creative activities
• Complete songwriting and production assignments
• Collaborate respectfully with peers
• Present their work during the final showcase
Weekly Schedule
Week 1
Foundations, Community Building & Introduction to Anti-Violence
June 29 – July 2
This week students will:
• Meet faculty and fellow participants
• Learn program expectations
• Explore the meaning of anti-violence
• Create Soundtrap accounts
• Learn basic songwriting concepts
• Begin learning music production tools
Lunch Menu
Monday: Turkey & Cheese Paninis, Chips, Apple Slices, Lemonade
Tuesday: Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Coleslaw, Chips, Apple Juice
Wednesday: Ham & Cheese Paninis, Potato Salad, Granola Bars
Thursday: Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Macaroni Salad, Applesauce Cups
Week 2
Understanding Violence & Beginning Creative Development
July 6 – July 9
This week students will:
• Learn about different types of violence
• Explore social justice themes
• Build creative word banks
• Practice lyric writing
• Begin creating original music projects
• Learn basic production techniques
Lunch Menu
Monday: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Macaroni Salad, Apple Juice
Tuesday: Turkey Paninis, Chips, Fruit Cups
Wednesday: Grilled Chicken Wraps, Coleslaw, Granola Bars
Thursday: Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Apples
Week 3
Identity, Racism, Xenophobia & Storytelling
July 13 – July 16
This week students will:
• Explore identity and belonging
• Discuss racism and xenophobia
• Develop personal song concepts
• Write lyrics and choruses
• Build musical arrangements
• Receive faculty feedback
Lunch Menu
Monday: Air Fryer Chicken Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Apple Juice
Tuesday: Ham & Cheese Paninis, Chips, Applesauce
Wednesday: Mac & Cheese, Turkey Sandwiches, Fruit Cups
Thursday: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Coleslaw, Granola Bars
Week 4
Advocacy, Collaboration & Group Song Development
July 20 – July 23
This week students will:
• Learn about advocacy and leadership
• Begin writing a collaborative group song
• Participate in band rehearsals
• Develop arrangements and instrumental parts
• Continue refining individual projects
Lunch Menu
Monday: Turkey Paninis, Macaroni Salad, Apple Juice
Tuesday: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Potato Salad, Chips
Wednesday: Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Coleslaw, Fruit Cups
Thursday: Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Chips, Apples
Week 5
Artist Identity & Performance Preparation
July 27 – July 30
This week students will:
• Finalize lyrics and songs
• Record vocals and instruments
• Develop stage presence skills
• Create artist statements
• Prepare for public performance
Lunch Menu
Monday: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Macaroni Salad, Lemonade
Tuesday: Turkey Paninis, Chips, Applesauce
Wednesday: Ham & Cheese Paninis, Potato Salad, Granola Bars
Thursday: Grilled Chicken Wraps, Coleslaw, Fruit Cups
Week 6
Final Recording, Rehearsal & Performance
August 3 – August 6
This week students will:
• Complete all recordings
• Finalize production projects
• Rehearse individual and group performances
• Prepare presentation materials
• Participate in dress rehearsal
Lunch Menu
Monday: Air Fryer Chicken Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Apple Juice
Tuesday: Turkey Paninis, Chips, Fruit Cups
Wednesday: Mac & Cheese, Grilled Chicken, Applesauce
Thursday: Pizza Celebration
AMLA Summer Showcase
Friday, August 7, 2026
Location: Teatro Esperanza
4261 N. 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Showtime: 6:00 PM
Featuring:
• AMLA Summer Anti-Violence Songwriting & Music Production Program
• AMLA Latin Percussion Intensive
Program Ends: 8:00 PM
Family, friends, and community members are welcome to attend.
