Both library classes are now sold out! You can still join the waitlist in case a spot opens up.
Join the PRX Podcast Garage for a six-week podcasting class at Boston Public Library branches in East Boston or Codman Square!
Podcasts - audio that you can listen to on-demand - are a powerful way to tell stories, spread ideas, and create connections. In this six-week class, you’ll learn the building blocks of a successful podcast, focusing on audio production and storytelling techniques. You’ll walk away with confidence in audio recording, interviewing, editing, and how to assemble an audio story. Each class will include hands-on exercises with time to work on a personal project.
These classes are free for all participants thanks to the support of the Barr Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts.
DATES + PARTNERS
Please note: Our class size is limited to 15 students to promote discussion and hands-on learning. For this reason, we expect participants to attend all six classes once they sign up.
East Boston - English and Spanish: Click here for more information / Haz clic aquí para mas información.
Codman Square - English only: Classes take place on Saturdays, noon-2:00 p.m. from May 4 to June 8 in the Codman Square branch at 690 Washington St, Boston, MA 02124. Our partners at the Ujima Project will host an event for residents of the Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan neighborhoods to listen to the participants’ final projects.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why podcasting?
Podcasting is on the rise! There are currently over 650,000 podcasts in iTunes with millions of listeners. No single entity controls podcasting, which means it’s an accessible, decentralized, and democratized way to create content. At PRX, we believe podcasting has a special ability to teach, heal, change minds, and transform communities. If you’re new to podcasts, check out our Neighborhood Podcast List for a directory of shows made in Boston!
Who should sign up for the classes?
Anyone over the age of 17 with basic computer skills is welcome to sign up. No previous experience is needed.
Do I need a podcast idea?
No! We encourage you to come if you don’t have an idea for a podcast to learn the basics of audio production.
Do I need my own equipment or computer to participate?
Both branches have laptops available and PRX/PRI will provide audio recording equipment and software for all participants. All of the exercises will take place in class, so you don’t need any equipment at home.
Will you offer these classes again?
We hope to offer classes again with Boston Public Library in the fall! In the meantime, there is a full schedule of classes and events at the PRX Podcast Garage in Allston.
Who should I contact with questions about the program?
If you have any questions, please email Alex Birch at alex.birch@prx.org or call the PRX Podcast Garage at 617-208-8911.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Jeff Emtman (Lead Instructor, Codman Square) is an artist focused on belief and fear - his best known project is KCRW’s Here Be Monsters, a podcast about the unknown, started in 2012. He teaches regularly at the Podcast Garage on the topics of sound, structure, sound design, and audio editing.
Eric Liao (Teaching Assistant, Codman Square) is an administrator at PRX. He has worked as a producer for “One in a Billion,” a Cambridge-based podcast that focuses on stories of Chinese millennials and their experiences in America. In the past year, Eric has performed live stories at the Moth StorySlams. He also hosted a live storytelling event at the Podcast Garage called “Let’s Talk about Food.”
REGISTER
There is no fee to participate in the class. You can sign up online by clicking below or over the phone at 617-208-8911.