Turn Your Child’s Songs Into Real Music Releases
Work with professional producers to write, record, and release original music on major streaming platforms.
For serious young artists ready to create original music
Every Young Artist Needs a Place to Start
Does your child dream of writing and recording their own music but doesn’t know where to begin? Do they have original songs ready to record, but aren’t sure what step to take next? Or maybe they are serious about pursuing a career in music but you don’t know who to trust.
Most recording studios don’t offer songwriting or artist development support, they exist simply to record, mix and master your performance. Don’t have complete songs? “Sorry, come back when you do.” Don’t know how to upload your song to Spotify? “Not something we do.”
Traditional labels only support artists that they deem worthy of being signed. Didn’t get picked? “Sorry kid, you’re on your own.”
The music industry is a complicated and confusing place. Without the right guide, you (and your child’s career) may get on the wrong path, spending hours of time and thousands of dollars with nothing to show for it.
So what are you to do if you want to learn and grow as a young artist? That’s exactly the problem we are solving at Mason Music Records.
A Record Label Experience for Young Artists
Since 2012, Mason Music has been helping students in Birmingham and Nashville write, record and release original music. Mason Music Records bridges the gap between learning music and launching a real music project.
- Develop original songs
- Record professional-quality music
- Release on major streaming platforms
- Share your music with the world
How the Program Works
1. Apply
Fill out our brief survey and book a free consultation to discuss the project, your goals, budget, and timeline to make sure everyone is aligned before getting started.
2. Write & Record
Work with a professional songwriter to develop songs that you love before heading into the recording studio to bring them to life with a producer.
3. Release and Promote
We will help upload your song(s) to the streaming platforms of your choice, and collaborate to help you develop a promotional strategy that you can execute.
Meet Our Producers
Schylar Shoates
After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a BS in Recording Industry, Schylar owned and operated Sky Studios in Brentwood, TN, for over ten years. With more than 25 years of experience teaching students and producing artists in the Nashville area, Schylar loves helping both achieve their musical goals. Former Sky Studios clients include Sheryl Crow, Daniel Donato, and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line. He has also shared the stage with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Daniels, and has written with legendary songwriter, producer, and guitarist Steve Cropper.
In 2026, Schylar sold Sky Studios to Mason Music. Impressed by the team, he joined Mason Music to help develop their recording programs and record label. He is excited to help Mason Music student artists write, record, and release original material.
When not in the studio or performing with Music City Stones, Schylar enjoys spending time with his wife and their schnoodle, Ziggy.
Will Mason
Will got his start touring with the alt-rock band Moses Mayfield in the early 2000s. During that time, he developed his studio skills by watching (and bothering) the producers and engineers working on the band’s Epic Records release, an experience he credits as foundational to his growth in both the technical and creative sides of recording.
Will is the founder and CEO of Mason Music, with extensive teaching experience, as well as dozens of production credits including Matthew Mayfield, Sarah Simmons (of the Voice), The Brook and The Bluff and more.
Will is seen here sharing the stage at Mason Music Fest with Mason Music student artist Brianna Walter, playing one of her original songs.
What Students Gain From the Experience
- Turn ideas into finished songs
- Collaborate with real producers
- Record in a professional studio
- Learn industry practices
- Release and promote music
- Build confidence as an artist
A Professional and Educational Environment
Students work alongside experienced producers and mentors at our Birmingham and Nashville recording studios through the real-world process of creating and releasing music. We’re not here to promise you the world. We are here to guide you to do the right things at the right time.
What Our Students Are Saying…
Real stories from students and parents who brought their music to life with us.
Student Story
Recording music about my cancer journey felt like therapy. It helped me express things I couldn’t put into words, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
Sean Fredella, Student
Creating music here has been one of the most immersive and rewarding experiences of my life. I learned my sound, built songs from scratch, and gained a level of confidence I still carry with me today.
Tey De Gennaro
What started as small ideas turned into something real through collaboration and mentorship. I didn’t just learn how to write songs—I learned how to express myself honestly.
ElaBeth C. Gotard
Recording my first song taught me patience, discipline, and courage. It’s not just about making music—it’s about finding your voice and sharing it.
Bri Walter
Apply to Become a Mason Music Records Artist
For students serious about developing as songwriters and performers.
FAQs
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How much does it cost?
Every project is a little different, but most songs typically fall into one of two ranges depending on how fully you want to produce them.
A stripped-down recording (vocals with simple instrumentation) usually takes around 4–6 hours of studio time, while a full production with a complete band and layered vocals can take 20–30+ hours.
Our studio rate is $100/hour, and full productions may also include session musicians, typically $150–$250 per musician per song, plus $125 for mastering.
If you don’t have a finished song yet, we’ll also help you write or develop it together as part of the process.
The best way to get an accurate estimate is to talk through your vision—we’ll guide you to an approach that fits your goals and budget.
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How long does it take?
Timelines vary depending on the scope of the project, but most students complete a single within a few weeks to a couple of months. EPs and full length albums take significantly longer. Release strategies vary as well, so timing for public release will be dependent on your goals.
Factors include songwriting needs, recording complexity, and scheduling.
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Who is this program for?
This program is designed for students at a variety of levels—from beginners who are curious about songwriting to more experienced artists who are ready to record and release original music.
We typically work with:
- Students just starting to explore songwriting
- Committed young artists already writing music
- Pre-professional artists preparing to release music
No prior experience is required—we’ll meet you where you are and guide you through the process.
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Do I need to have my own song already?
Not at all. Many students come in with ideas, lyrics, or no material at all.
We’ll work with you through songwriting and development so you can create something that feels authentic before entering the recording process.
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What does the process look like?
We guide you through the entire process step-by-step:
- Intro call to understand your goals
- Custom proposal based on your needs
- Songwriting and development (if needed)
- Studio recording with a professional producer
- Mixing and mastering
- Release on streaming platforms
- Optional promotion and performance opportunities
You’re supported at every stage—we don’t expect you to figure it out on your own.
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Will my music actually be released?
Yes. Your finished song will be professionally mixed, mastered, and released on major streaming platforms through Mason Music Records.
We’ll also guide you through the release process and help you promote your music.
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Do I keep the rights to my music?
Yes—you retain the rights to your original songs as the songwriter.
We’re here to support and develop artists, not take ownership of their creative work.
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How do I get started?
Start by filling out our interest form. From there, we’ll schedule an intro call to learn more about your goals and walk you through next steps.
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Is there an audition or application process?
Some opportunities—especially for more advanced or pre-professional artists—may include an application or audition process.
For most students, we begin with a conversation to understand your goals and recommend the best path forward.
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What makes this different from a normal recording studio?
Most recording studios only record finished songs—they don’t help you write or develop them.
Mason Music Records is different. We guide you through the entire process—from songwriting to recording to release—so you can grow as an artist, not just create a single track.
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What will I walk away with?
Students walk away with:
- A professionally recorded and released song
- Experience working in a real studio environment
- A deeper understanding of songwriting and production
- Optional artist materials like photos, bio, and starter press kit
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Is this just for students who want a music career?
Not at all. While some students are career-focused, many participate simply to explore creativity, build confidence, and experience the process of creating something original.