IMSTA FESTA 2026 is almost upon us, with some of the biggest names in pro-audio set to descend upon SAE Institute in London, UK for a day of panel talks, workshops, masterclasses, gear demos and more.
Masterclasses
Here’s a quick look at the masterclasses that will be taking place at this year’s IMSTA FESTA:
12pm: Tom Elmhirst
Tom is a celebrated mixer whose discography spans landmark recordings by Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Adele, David Bowie and many more. Over the course of his award‑winning career, he has earned 17 Grammy Awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential sonic architects in modern music.
2pm: Jonny Amos
What separates a good song from an award-winning one? In this masterclass, 17-time Grammy winner Jonny Amos breaks down the essential elements that elevate a track from idea to award-worthy record. Explore how powerful songwriting, intentional arrangement, compelling groove and authentic musical storytelling work together to create emotional impact. Learn how structure shapes momentum, how dynamics build tension and release, and how subtle production choices support the song’s message.
2pm – 4pm: Mentor’s Café
Mentor's Café at IMSTA FESTA is a dedicated space for career and business guidance, designed to support emerging artists and creatives in two key areas: building a sustainable career in the music industry and developing entrepreneurial ideas. Participants can receive focused, practical advice that goes beyond general guidance, with an emphasis on real-world actions. This includes how to build a strong portfolio, which technical and business skills to prioritise, strategies for monetising creative work, evaluating training and opportunities for real value and developing a mindset for long-term success. The format includes one-on-one consultations, with small-group discussions when appropriate, allowing for direct feedback and clear next steps.
3pm: Lance Phillips
This master class offers a clear, accessible overview of how copyright functions in the world of music — covering both songs (compositions) and recordings (masters). Participants will learn why these rights exist, what they protect, and how they form the foundation of today’s music industry. We’ll break down the roles of publishers and record companies, explaining how each entity manages different sets of rights and why creators often partner with them. The session will also introduce how these rights can be licensed or assigned to third parties, including publishers, labels, distributors and other industry stakeholders.
4pm: AI in Music Production
Join us for an open forum discussion focused on the evolving role of AI in music production. We will explore how today’s tools are shaping the way producers create, mix and innovate, while addressing some of the more challenging questions surrounding their use. From practical AI tools you can use in your workflow, to the reality of ethical AI training, and where music production is heading next, this session is designed to spark conversation and share perspectives. Bring your questions, your ideas, and what’s on your mind as we look at the future of music production together.
4pm: The Fanatix
In this masterclass, get an inside look at the creative process, hardware, software and plug-ins London-born producers, writers, remixers and DJs Fanatix use to craft music for today’s top artists. They will demonstrate the art of arrangement, breaking down the nuances of groove, rhythm and sound selection that define professional-level production. Participants will gain essential ways for identifying the right sounds, understanding when simplicity is key, and recognising what separates polished beats from amateur ones. The session also covers practical tips and techniques for turning strong beats into complete, finished songs. Whether you are an aspiring beat maker or an experienced industry professional, this master class offers an exclusive and practical perspective on the craft.
5pm: Adrian Hall
Join Grammy-nominated mix engineer Adrian Hall as he takes you inside one of his standout mixes. Adrian will break down his workflow, techniques and go-to tools, offering practical, actionable insight into how professional records are crafted. Learn from one of the industry’s top mixers and discover fresh approaches you can apply immediately to take your own mixes to the next level.
Each masterclass requires a separate registration to secure your place.
Workshops & Classes
The event will also include a whole host of free workshops and classes that focus on popular products from a range of pro-audio companies. Running throughout the day, the classes include mixing, beatmaking and recording tips for FL Studio users; EQ and dynamics processing techniques with FabFilter plug-ins; recording and production classes with Universal Audio gear; and a session where DJ Sappo will help attendees create, produce, mix and master an entire track using Cubase 15 and Absolute 7.
You can find out more about the event and register for attendance (and masterclasses) via the link below.
