Workshops
Our Workshops & Programs
- Beatbox Instruction (Any Level)
- A Cappella Singing
- Performance and Movement
- Hip Hop & Freestyle
- Performance Masterclass
- Cultural Outreach & Performance
- Business and Brand development
A short format clinic-style workshop is perfect for reaching many people quickly in the name of introduction, collaboration, or cultural outreach. Many underserved areas simply never see live music or encounter beatboxing whereas music groups and conservatories greatly benefit from a new perspective. Workshops are lively and participatory and can be done with non-English-speaking crowds.
Goal: expose audiences to a cappella and involve them in the development of new skills like beatboxing, simple dance, and composition.
- Group Performance Clinic
- Songwriting/Recording
- Performance Masterclass
- Group Dynamics
- Hip Hop Outreach Program
Full day workshop programs can run 4-8h depending on the needs of the musician(s). With a rigorous day, the size of the group is best suited to under 20 people. Typical programs involve the development of a final product or an improvement upon an existing product.
Goal: help musicians make a quantum leap from beginner to participant, from amateur to professional, or from good to great.
2 days – 1 month
- Songwriting and Recording
- Group formation, branding, and business
- Arranging & Choreography
- Album Production
- Hip Hop Development Program
A residency program can last from 2 days to up to 1 month. This includes series of workshops plus practical applications. Due to the long-format, it is the most flexible option with group size and skill level. This option must be carefully considered as it requires a commitment from all involved–casual residencies are not effective.
Goal: develop a product like a band, a recording, or a festival that is self-sustaining and self-developing after our departure.
Online programs–any time-zone, any location. Can work with different languages.
- Songwriting and Recording workshops
- Production, collaboration, Music Business
- Technical skills (singing, beatboxing, arranging)
- Unique conversations between music and outside industries
- Youth development and open-mic options
A virtual program offers extreme flexibility. Our programs span 30 minute presentations with translation to 8 week group music production courses. The longer format options can engage participants in more complex topic. The shorter formats can reach broad audiences.
Our programs have been most effective at 90 minutes max to avoid “Zoom Fatigue” and 6 to 12 sessions over a month.
Goal: use online resources to provide effective collaboration, instruction, and presentation.
Our Mission
The goal in teaching workshops (and in the rest of life) is to do good for as many people as possible. A Cappella has surprisingly been one of the most effective ways to do this.
After performing in over 50 countries for over 1M people we found that vocal music has incredible power. Our goal has been to connect the world through music. It breaks down barriers, and opens up conversation…sometimes in German, Cantonese, Arabic, Russian, Spanish…. Even without a common language a times, we’ve communicated. We’ve achieved things together. We’ve made music.
Freedom’s Boombox carries on the mission of The Exchange. We take pop music and bring it to audiences with a fresh and interactive show. Off stage, we carry the torch to classrooms and youth organizations to develop burgeoning musicians. It starts with beatboxing–something everybody can learn. Next comes writing and performance. Over time, anyone we meet can learn to express themselves and share their music.
Management Bookings
Meet the Team
Alfredo Austin
Producer/Performer/Instructor
Alfredo Austin is an independent writer, singer, and music producer. He has worked for Sony, and NBC as well as Warner and Universal writing, recording, editing, mastering, and arranging music. His work has been used for television, movies, and on dozens of albums, as well as appearances on The Daily Show. Alfredo has won numerous awards for his writing, performance, and production. Alfredo teaches workshops on singing and production. His ability to produce tracks across genres and skill levels makes him an invaluable resource in a studio.
Christopher Diaz
Instructor & Performer
Christopher Diaz is an international music coach, instructor, and performer. He has worked with the likes of Sony and NBC, producing music for live and recorded network television in the US. Christopher has developed thousands of singers and performers in over 40 countries. He is a classically trained vocalist and spent over a decade as a music critic and co-producer of a vocal music podcast. Christopher has developed many of our workshops and is often the lead instructor. He is sought after for his ability to develop and refine talent.
Richard Steighner
Beatboxer/Instructor/Writer
Richard Steighner is an award-winning performing artist, writer, and music director. Winner of America’s National Harmony Sweepstakes and two-time finalist on NBC’s The SingOff, Richard has directly worked with platinum artists and writers from Sony and Warner in the development of artist brands and promotion as well as hundreds of self-promoted shows and releases. Richard has developed numerous beatbox workshops and seminars for people in all languages. Though his career started as an architect for Quiznos, Richard’s passion for creating music has transformed his life into a multi-faceted entertainer.
Special Thanks
