Sacramento Youth Get Free Music Production Camp Through Department of Sound, NBA Foundation, and 916 Ink
The Department of Sound, in partnership with the NBA Foundation and 916 Ink, will run a free week‑long youth music production camp in Sacramento from August 3 to August 7, 2026. The program, called Summer of Sound, will take place at The Imaginarium (3301 37th Avenue) and is open to residents aged 13 to 17. The camp offers hands‑on beat‑making, lyric‑writing, industry‑guest talks, and a free lunch each day, and it will culminate in a listening party where participants can release their tracks on SUMMEROFSOUND Vol. 1.
The Department of Sound is a nonprofit organization that provides music education and career‑development resources for young people. Its partnership with the NBA Foundation brings a sports‑community focus to the camp, while 916 Ink, a local creative‑writing nonprofit, contributes expertise in storytelling and lyric composition. Together, the three partners aim to give Sacramento youth a structured, industry‑relevant introduction to music production.
Camp logistics are straightforward. Sessions run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day, with a 30‑minute break for lunch that is supplied free of charge. The Imaginarium, a venue known for its modern lighting and sound equipment, will host the workshops and provide the technical infrastructure needed for beat‑making and recording. The schedule includes daily lessons on digital audio workstations, sample selection, and mixing basics, followed by group lyric‑writing exercises.
In addition to the core curriculum, each day will feature a guest speaker from the music industry. Past speakers have included producers, record‑label representatives, and touring musicians, all of whom share insights on the business side of music. The camp also offers one‑on‑one mentorship opportunities for participants who wish to explore specific aspects of production or songwriting.
A key component of the program is the chance for campers to release their original work. At the end of the week, the Department of Sound will compile the best tracks into a compilation titled SUMMEROFSOUND Vol. 1. The release will be distributed digitally and will be accompanied by a public listening party held on the final day of the camp. Participants will receive copies of their tracks and a certificate of completion.
Space is limited to 20 participants, and the Department of Sound has stated that applications will close once all spots are filled. Interested youth can apply online at www.deptofsound.org/summer-of-sound. The application requires basic contact information, a short statement of interest, and a confirmation that the applicant is between 13 and 17 years old.
The camp’s free, community‑focused model aligns with the NBA Foundation’s mission to support youth development through sports and arts. By combining music education with mentorship and a professional release platform, the program offers Sacramento teens a tangible entry point into the music industry.
As of the latest update, the Department of Sound has not announced any additional dates or expansion plans for the Summer of Sound program. Applications remain open until the 20 slots are filled, after which the camp will proceed as scheduled from August 3 to August 7, 2026.
