Craft Chart-Topping Hits: Learn from a Pop Production Legend
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple demo into a radio-ready, chart-topping hit? Imagine learning the exact techniques used to create that iconic 80s pop sound, and how to seamlessly blend programmed instruments with real, live musicians. This is your chance to stop wondering and start doing.
Join us for a three-day, hands-on production workshop with Phil Harding, a true industry pioneer with over 500 top 40 hits to his name. Alongside renowned engineer Stefano Civetta, you'll take two brand new songs from demo to final release, learning invaluable skills you can apply to your own music.
What You'll Learn and Achieve:
Day One: The Power of a Solid Foundation
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Expert Drum Mic'ing Techniques: Learn two distinct approaches to mic'ing a drum kit—Phil's classic, dynamic-led method and Stefano's modern, condenser-based approach. You'll mic the kit with both setups simultaneously, allowing you to instantly A/B the results in the control room. This direct comparison will help you understand how different mic choices affect the sound and how they respond to EQ and compression, saving you hours in the mix.
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Live Rhythm Section Tracking: Experience the energy of a live rhythm section as drums, bass, and guitar are tracked together. You'll get hands-on experience mic'ing guitar and bass amps while learning the crucial role of DI signals for both safety and creative flexibility in post-production.
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Building the Arrangement: You'll be part of the decision-making process, choosing the best takes and then adding rich layers of keys, from Hammond organs to pianos and virtual instruments.
Day Two: Overcoming Production Challenges
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Mastering Horns and Vocals: Banish the anxiety of recording horns. Former Abbey Road engineer Stefano Civetta will guide you through different mic techniques on a professional three-piece horn section. Then, learn from Phil's decades of experience recording vocalists. You'll discover how to choose the right mic for the singer, get the performance you need, and overcome "red light syndrome" to capture a polished, professional vocal take every time.
Day Three: The Final Polish
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Mixing In-The-Box with a Master: Phil will mix both songs entirely "in-the-box," so you can easily replicate his workflow and techniques in your own home studio.
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Future-Proof Your Music: Present Day Production's Mark Ashfield will walk you through his approach to stereo mastering and creating a Dolby Atmos mix, ensuring your tracks are ready for the future of audio.
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Your Questions, Answered: Conclude the workshop with a Q&A session with the entire team, where you can get personalized advice and insights.
A Complete Producer's Toolkit
By the end of this intensive three-day workshop, you'll walk away with more than just memories. You'll gain practical, hands-on experience that will elevate your productions.
You will receive:
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Signed copies of Phil Harding’s acclaimed books.
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A certificate of completion to showcase your new skills.
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The complete multitrack files from the workshop to practice and experiment with.
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Exclusive access to video recordings of the workshop for future reference.
Ready to transform your demos and achieve professional-quality results?
PHIL HARDING
A true pop production legend with a career spanning five decades. From engineering albums for icons including Elton John and The Clash at The Marquee Studios in London to shaping the sound of the 80s with Stock, Aitken & Waterman for artists such as Kylie Minogue and Rick Astley, Phil’s credits are a masterclass in hit-making.
In the 90s, he then pioneered the boyband era with artists including East 17 and Boyzone.
Beyond the studio, Phil is a passionate music educator and author, having written two hugely successful books on his experiences and production techniques.
STEFANO CIVETTA
An engineering virtuoso whose career began at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.
As a full-time engineer there, Stefano worked on countless Hollywood film scores, remastered The Beatles' back catalogue with Giles Martin, and engineered for contemporary stars like Ed Sheeran and legends such as Nile Rodgers.
With his deep musical knowledge and technical expertise, he's the perfect guide for mastering high-pressure studio sessions.
AFRIKA GREEN
A powerhouse British/American drummer with a first-class music degree.
Affy has spent nearly a decade on tour with the Pet Shop Boys and has also worked with artists like Becky Hill. A published author, her memoir offers a candid look into the life of a touring musician, and Affy is truly flying the flag for young people wishing to forge a successful career in music.
DAVE WEST
A masterful bassist whose career began with a crucial role in the early demos of Wham! and George Michael.
Dave's extensive credits include playing and producing for artists like Hazel O’Connor, Boy George, and Bonnie Tyler, making him an invaluable source of pop, funk, and R&B knowledge.
TOM WALSH
A highly sought-after session musician and horn arranger.
A professor of Trumpet at London's Royal Academy of Music, Tom has worked and recorded with an incredible list of artists including Quincy Jones, Michael Buble, and Diana Ross. Despite his young age, he already has over 1,000 credits to his name.
MARK ASHFIELD
The man behind the mastering.
Mark's passion for the Hammond Organ in the late 80s led to a deep dive into audio engineering. After building two successful commercial studios, he became a renowned mastering engineer, working for major labels, on music for the 2012 London Olympics, and remastering the entire back catalogue of his hero, Hammond icon Brian Auger.
JAMES NUGENT
The resident tech wizard and co-founder of the Present Day Production YouTube channel.
After successfully running a multi-room studio and tour support business with Mark, James turned his attention to media creation. His technical expertise and passion for video production are the driving force behind the workshop’s media output.
A World-Class Studio in an Historic Setting
Experience the best of the best at School Farm Studios. Housed within a stunningly converted 17th-century Essex barn, the studio blends rustic charm with cutting-edge technology. Located on the picturesque Essex/Suffolk border near Little Maplestead, it's the perfect creative escape.
The facility features:
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An incredible live room in the main barn, offering a unique acoustic environment.
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Two isolation booths for precision recording.
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A fully-equipped control room centered around a 48-channel SSL Duality Fuse console.
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A curated collection of both classic and modern microphones, preamps, and outboard gear to capture any sound you can imagine.
At School Farm Studios, the wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable team create an inspiring space where history, passion and state-of-the-art equipment come together to help you create something truly special.
THE FINEST ACCOMMODATION
School Farm Studios is a residential facility featuring some of the finest accommodation in the area. All bedrooms are en-suite and feature king-sized beds, and there are full kitchen facilities, communal lounges, gardens to explore and ample parking.
