About the Accelerator
The Rolling Stone MENA Music Industry Accelerator is a curated, in-person program designed to deliver world-class mentorship, hands-on studio immersion, and direct exposure to the modern music industry.
Delivered over eight weeks, the Accelerator brings together award-winning producers, engineers, artists, A&Rs, and executives to help participants refine their creative identity, expand their professional network, and develop a clear, real-world career strategy.
Industry Access & Opportunities
Through participation in the Accelerator, selected participants may gain access to:
- Editorial consideration and coverage opportunities within Rolling Stone MENA
- Internship and shadowing opportunities within the ecosystem of partner brands and guest lecturers
- Curated performance opportunities across local and international platforms
- Exposure to potential song placement and collaboration pathways
Opportunities vary by participant and are not guaranteed.
What Participants Will Experience
1. Studio Immersion
2. Creative Development
3. Industry Knowledge & Career Strategy
• Practical insight into the music business, including branding, release strategy, publishing, and long-term career planning
•Frameworks to navigate today’s global music ecosystem
4. Mentorship From Global Leaders
• Direct engagement with regional and international industry professionals
• Live digital guest lectures offering global perspectives and expertise
5. Community & Network Building
• A tightly curated cohort designed to foster long-term creative and professional relationships
• Ongoing access to a growing network of peers, mentors, and industry partners
Duration
8 weeks, delivered across a 10-week window, with scheduled breaks for Eid and Easter.
Schedule
Saturdays & Sundays — approximately 3 hours per day (Exact timings shared with selected applicants)
Format
• In-person studio sessions at LPME Studios
• Live online guest lectures with international mentors
• Guided projects, studio exercises, and creative assignments
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rolling Stone MENA Music Industry Accelerator?
The Rolling Stone MENA Music Industry Accelerator is a curated, in-person program designed to equip artists, producers, and music professionals with practical tools, industry insight, and direct access to today’s music industry.
Who is this program for?
The Accelerator is designed for:
- Artists and vocalists
- Producers, songwriters, and DJs
- Instrumentalists
- Music students
- Music business professionals (managers, A&R, agents, executives)
Applicants should be actively engaged in music or the music industry and ready to participate in a professional-level program.
Do I need to be an artist to apply?
No. While many participants are artists or producers, the program also welcomes music business professionals and creatives working across the wider industry ecosystem.
Where does the program take place?
The Accelerator is held in person at LPME Studios, a state-of-the-art music and post-production facility in Dubai.
Is the program fully in person?
Yes. Core sessions take place in person at LPME Studios. In addition, select guest lecturers and industry professionals will join the program via live digital sessions, offering international perspectives and expertise.
When does the program run?
The program runs over eight weekends, with sessions held on Saturday and Sunday mornings, from February 28 to May 3, excluding the weekends of March 21 (Eid) and April 4 (Easter).
Is this a full-time program?
No. The Accelerator is designed to run alongside professional and academic commitments, with sessions scheduled exclusively on weekends.
Is the program paid?
Yes. This is a professional, paid program with limited seats.
Full enrollment details and pricing are shared directly with shortlisted applicants.
How does the application process work?
Applicants begin by registering their interest through the form on this page.
Submissions are reviewed by the SoundX : Workshops and Rolling Stone MENA teams, and shortlisted applicants are contacted with next steps and full program details.
How selective is the Accelerator?
The program has a limited intake to ensure a focused, high-quality learning environment. Not all applicants will be shortlisted.
Do I need to submit music or a portfolio?
Applicants are encouraged to submit a link to their music or creative work (SoundCloud, streaming platforms, or similar).
If you do not currently have music available, you may submit a document outlining your background and experience.
Will guest mentors and lecturers be announced in advance?
Guest mentor and lecturer announcements will be shared with shortlisted applicants and confirmed participants as part of the program rollout.
Is there a certificate upon completion?
No. The focus of the Accelerator is not certification, but real-world experience, industry insight, and meaningful network-building. Participants will engage directly with mentors, peers, and industry professionals throughout the program.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. International applicants are welcome, provided they can attend all in-person sessions at LPME Studios in Dubai.
What happens if I’m not shortlisted?
Applicants who are not shortlisted for this intake will be encouraged to apply for future editions of the Accelerator.
How can I stay updated?
Registering your interest ensures you’ll receive official updates related to the Accelerator and upcoming SoundX : Workshops programs.