2025 Music Technology Festival

The Festival will be open to all New Jersey students grades 9-12 with accompanying music teacher (who must be a member of NJMEA/NAfME) and will run from 10:00am-5:00pm!!

Are you intrigued? Here are a few of the Festival perks:
- Students and teachers will attend 4 masterclasses taught by master music tech teachers and music professionals from across the country! It will be an immersive, hands-on experience that is sure to inspire creativity!!
- All submitted projects will be adjudicated ahead of time. Please note that you don’t have to submit projects to attend with your students or by yourself!
- Did someone say DJ? A world-renowned DJ will be performing and running a masterclass for students/teachers!!

Fees:
Teacher(s) - regular conference rate (one day or full)
Students - $30 (includes attendance and 1 project submission) Additional $10 fee per extra project submitted

Masterclass Teachers:
Richard McCready from Columbia, MD
Bob Habersat from Brookfield, IL
Stefani Langol from Berklee College of Music (MA) DJ Hapa from Los Angeles, CA

2025 TechFEST Registration Link

PROJECT SUBMISSION CATEGORIES:

Please note that projects must represent the work of individuals or groups no larger than 4 students. Students can attend TechFEST without the submission of a project(s).

Covers & Remixes
Works include arrangements/recordings of preexisting songs. Covers should be true to their original compositions. Remixes may incorporate some original material as appropriate. Projects should demonstrate originality in musical choices and creative use of technology. 

Mix Competition (Production/Engineering)                                                                                                                             

Students entering this category will demonstrate their skills in production or engineering created within a digital audio workstation (DAW). Students will be provided pre-recorded tracks for a recording in advance of TechFEST, and work must be completed and submitted by the deadline provided. Individuals and teams of up to four students may enter this category.

Original Compositions

This category celebrates creativity and innovation in music-making, offering a platform for artists to showcase their unique sound and ideas. Entries should demonstrate originality in composition, production, and/or arrangement, with a focus on musical expression that is distinct and personal. The use of loops or samples is allowed, provided they are creatively integrated into the composition to create something new and unique.

History

The first-ever Student Music Tech Expo was held on March 15, 2011. The goal was to provide a venue to showcase students’ creativity and accomplishments, starting with the premise of a “music tech science fair.” Due to the onset of COVID-19, the event was held virtually to continue the tradition and opportunities for students to present their works. In 2024, the Music Tech Expo was rebranded as the Music TechFEST and became part of the NJMEA Conference. It grew from a student-centered, project-based expo to an immersive festival for high school students and music educators at all levels. While there is still a project-based component, that is only a part of what TechFEST now offers.