WHAT IS THE OCOS ACADEMY?
The One City, One Sound Academy is a 9-month development program building the next generation of music professionals.
OUR MISSION
To make the music profession more accessible to anyone with the drive to pursue it, through education, practice, and connection.
WHY WE BUILT IT
Music is both an art-form and a business. It takes years to master, and it supports artists, communities, and an entire industry. The knowledge that turns talent into a profession is hard to access for most people and is gated by location, cost, and who you know.
The OCOS Academy is our answer to that gap. Across nine months, working professionals from across the DMV cover the business of music, technical production, and the craft of performing and songwriting.
We want every aspiring artist and businessperson who desires a future in music to walk away from this year knowing more, capable of more, and connected to more than when they started.
HOW IT WORKS
The Academy runs from September 2026 through May 2027, with one session per month. Each session is 90 minutes and free to attend. For our inaugural program, sessions are open to teens ages 13-18.
Programming is organized into three modules- Music & Entrepreneurship, Technical Production, and Artist Development. The year closes with a Youth Open Mic Night, a live capstone event where students take the stage and perform for the public.
FAQs
Basic Information
Who is it for?
Students ages 13-18. No prior experience, training, or equipment required.
How much does it cost?
OCOS Academy is free.
When does it run?
The first session is Saturday, September 19th, 2026, and the program runs through May 2027. Sessions are held monthly, on a Saturday morning each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm.
Where does it meet?
The sessions will be held at 115 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701, the Y Arts Center in Downtown Frederick, MD.
Registration & Attendance
Do I have to sign up for the whole year?
No. Every session stands on its own. You register for the sessions you want, in any order. You can come to one or to all nine.
How do I register?
Registration opens at 8 am on August 1st on onecityonesound.com. The three sessions for Music Business and Entrepreneurship will be available for registration. Future sessions for Technical Production and Artist Development will be open for registration at a later date.
Is there a limit on how many students can attend?
Yes! Each session has a capacity cap for students. When a session fills, you can join the waitlist, and we’ll contact you if a spot opens.
What if I register and can’t make it?
Please let us know at info@onecityonesound.com so we can release your spot to someone on the waitlist.
The Curriculum
What are the three modules?
- Music & Entrepreneurship — the business behind the music: revenue, rights, publishing, non-artist careers, etc.
- Technical Production — the craft: recording, mixing, live sound, and the tools professionals use.
- Youth Artist Development — the artist: performance, songwriting, stage presence, and finding your voice.
Do I have to choose one module?
No. Sessions are open to everyone regardless of the module. Modules are only designed to group sessions by topic.
Who teaches?
Working music industry professionals from the DMV community, including the OCOS founders.
How do I get updates?
Fill out our interest form, and you will receive updates on the program throughout the year, including when future modules open for registration.
Getting Involved
Can I teach or volunteer?
Yes. If you work in music and want to be in the room, reach out at info@onecityonesound.com
I have a question that isn’t here.
Email us at info@onecityonesound.com