SAE Amsterdam Open Event Week

Ever wondered what it’s actually like to study at SAE Amsterdam?

This November, we’re opening up the campus for SAE Amsterdam Event Week: a week of open events and hands-on workshops where you can explore different creative disciplines and get a real taste of what we do.

Think of it as a course tasting. Come in, try something new, get hands-on, meet the people behind the courses and see which creative direction feels right for you.

Across the week, there will be workshops and events covering a range of disciplines, including:

Film Production
Audio Production
Game Art & Animation
Content Creation
Advanced Mixing & Mastering
And more

Whether you already know what you want to study or you’re still figuring it out, this is a chance to explore different areas, learn something new and experience SAE for yourself.

YOUR TICKET

Your General Admission ticket is valid for the entire event week, from 9–14 November.

You only need one ticket per person. Once you have your ticket, you can join any of the open events and workshops taking place throughout the week.

Some workshops will have limited capacity. For these sessions, sign-up will take place on the spot, so make sure you arrive early if there’s a particular workshop you don’t want to miss.

THE FULL PROGRAMME

The full agenda is still TBA, and new events and workshops will be added soon.

Follow @sae_amsterdam on Instagram for updates on new sessions, workshop times and the full programme as it’s announced.

Come for one event or come back throughout the week. Try a new discipline, get hands-on and taste what your future course could look like.

Info: WALK-IN SESSION Bring your mix into the studio for a quick check-up with our experts. Whether you’re stuck on the balance, struggling with the low end, or simply want a fresh pair of ears, we’ll help identify what’s working—and what could be improved.

This is an open walk-in event running every day. Drop by whenever it suits you—no appointment needed.

Info: WALK-IN SESSION

Get behind the camera and explore the art of camera movement. This hands-on, walk-in session gives you the chance to try different camera setups, experiment with movement techniques, and learn how to create dynamic and engaging shots. From handheld shooting to smooth, controlled movements, discover how different techniques can shape the look and feel of an image. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your skills, come experiment, practice, and find new ways to bring your creative ideas to life.

Info: Explore the creative process behind music video filmmaking and learn how to translate music into images. The seminar introduces the art of visual storytelling, concept development, directing, and the relationship between sound and image. Through examples and practical exercises, participants will explore how cinematography, lighting, and movement can bring a musical idea to life and create a visual world of its own.

Info: Curious about how the music industry really works? Join this introductory session to learn more about Music Business Course (MBC), its approach to music education, and the opportunities it offers.

Put your music knowledge to the test with an interactive quiz, featuring a special guest or an AI-powered challenge. Can you tell the difference between AI-generated music and the real thing?

A fun and engaging session for artists, producers, songwriters, and anyone interested in understanding the business behind the music.

Info: WALK-IN SESSION

Bring your mix into the studio for a quick check-up with our experts. Whether you’re stuck on the balance, struggling with the low end, or simply want a fresh pair of ears, we’ll help identify what’s working—and what could be improved.

This is an open walk-in event running every day. Drop by whenever it suits you—no appointment needed.

Info: Ever wondered how a Drum & Bass track comes together? Join this session and explore the process of building a track from the ground up. From creating punchy drum patterns and deep basslines to adding melodies, effects, and layers, discover how different elements come together to create the signature Drum & Bass sound.

Whether you're a beginner or simply curious about music production, this session offers a chance to learn new techniques, get creative, and see how an idea develops into a full track.

Info: Join a guided photowalk around Amsterdam Noord to explore photography through observation, composition, and light. Discover how to find interesting frames in everyday surroundings, work with natural light, and capture moments from your own perspective. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, the photowalk is an opportunity to experiment, exchange ideas, and see the world differently through your lens. Grab your camera or even your phone, spend time exploring the city and getting to know fellow creatives.

Info: Explore the art of lighting in cinematography and learn how light shapes mood, meaning, and visual storytelling. The workshop begins with a one-hour introduction to the fundamentals of light and its role in creating images and telling stories. The second half is dedicated to practical demonstrations, showcasing how to shape light and create different atmospheres.

Info: WALK-IN SESSION
Bring your mix into the studio for a quick check-up with our experts. Whether you’re stuck on the balance, struggling with the low end, or simply want a fresh pair of ears, we’ll help identify what’s working—and what could be improved.

This is an open walk-in event running every day. Drop by whenever it suits you—no appointment needed.

Info: Lights, camera, action! Step into the world of filmmaking and bring your ideas to life in this hands-on workshop. From developing a quick concept to filming and putting the story together, discover the creative process behind making a short film.

Work with the tools, explore visual storytelling, and turn an idea into a film in a short amount of time. Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring filmmaker, this is your chance to get creative, experiment, and make something of your own.

Have an idea? Let's make it a film.

Info: Step into the world of game audio and discover how sound responds to players, actions, and ever-changing virtual environments. This introductory workshop offers an accessible overview of what game audio is, how it differs from sound for linear media, and how it contributes to an immersive gameplay experience.

The session will explore the systems behind interactive sound, including the role of audio middleware and how it connects sound assets to a game. Through explanations and practical examples, you’ll gain insight into the complete workflow—from designing and organizing sounds to implementing them so they react dynamically during gameplay. This is a theory-based session designed for anyone curious about how game audio works; no previous experience is required.

Info: WALK-IN SESSION

Step into the studio and get creative with photography! This open, walk-in session invites you to experiment with studio lighting, shadows, colours, props, and composition to create your own unique images.

Drop by, try different setups, and discover how small changes in light and perspective can transform a photograph. Whether you're into portraits, artistic photography, or simply curious to try something new, explore the possibilities of studio photography at your own pace.

No booking or experience needed. Just walk in, experiment, and capture something creative.

Info: Discover the basics of 3D animation using Autodesk Maya. In this hands-on session, learn how to bring objects to life, starting with simple exercises like bouncing balls and jumping cubes. Explore the fundamental principles of animation and see how timing, movement, and creativity turn simple shapes into lively animations.

No prior experience is needed — just drop in and give 3D animation a try!

Info: WALK-IN SESSION

Bring your mix into the studio for a quick check-up with our experts. Whether you’re stuck on the balance, struggling with the low end, or simply want a fresh pair of ears, we’ll help identify what’s working—and what could be improved.

This is an open walk-in event running every day. Drop by whenever it suits you—no appointment needed.

Info: WALK-IN SESSION

Ever wanted to be somewhere completely different? Drop by the Green Screen Playground and see how green screen technology brings imagination to life.

This open, walk-in experience invites you to step in front of the camera, experiment with different backgrounds, and create your own scenes using visual effects. From cinematic locations to imaginary worlds, discover how filmmakers make the impossible look real.

No booking or experience needed. Just walk in, get creative, and see yourself on screen in a whole new way!

Info: Got a sound in mind? From a deep cinematic impact to a futuristic sci-fi effect or a classic synth sound, bring your ideas and watch them come to life.

In this interactive session, the audience chooses the sounds they want to hear, and the lecturer breaks down how to recreate them using synthesis, effects, and sound-processing techniques. Discover the creative process behind each sound, explore different approaches, and see how simple tools can produce unexpected results.

Come with a sound in mind, leave with new ideas and techniques to try in your own productions.

Info: Learn how to transform your photos with Adobe Lightroom! In this hands-on workshop, discover the basics of photo editing, from adjusting exposure and colours to fine-tuning contrast and bringing out the best in your images.

Bring your own photos to edit, whether they’re personal favourites or shots you captured during the photowalk a few days earlier. Experiment with different edits, explore your creative style, and see how a few simple adjustments can make a big difference.

No prior editing experience is needed — just bring your photos and get creative!

Info: Step beyond traditional stereo mixing and explore the world of immersive audio. In this seminar, we’ll introduce the Dolby Atmos ecosystem and look at how immersive audio is changing the way music is mixed, experienced and delivered. We’ll cover the core concepts behind Dolby Atmos, the transition from stereo to immersive workflows, and what you need to know to start working in this format. The seminar will be followed by a practical demonstration in our Dolby Atmos immersive studio, where you’ll hear the technology in action and experience the difference between stereo and immersive mixing firsthand.
Presented in collaboration with Dolby Creator Lab.

Info: Step beyond traditional stereo mixing and explore the world of immersive audio. In this seminar, we’ll introduce the Dolby Atmos ecosystem and look at how immersive audio is changing the way music is mixed, experienced and delivered. We’ll cover the core concepts behind Dolby Atmos, the transition from stereo to immersive workflows, and what you need to know to start working in this format. The seminar will be followed by a practical demonstration in our Dolby Atmos immersive studio, where you’ll hear the technology in action and experience the difference between stereo and immersive mixing firsthand.
Presented in collaboration with Dolby Creator Lab.

Info: Lights, camera, action! Step into the world of filmmaking and bring your ideas to life in this hands-on workshop. From developing a quick concept to filming and putting the story together, discover the creative process behind making a short film.

Work with the tools, explore visual storytelling, and turn an idea into a film in a short amount of time. Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring filmmaker, this is your chance to get creative, experiment, and make something of your own.

Have an idea? Let's make it a film.

Info: WALK-IN SESSION

Bring your mix into the studio for a quick check-up with our experts. Whether you’re stuck on the balance, struggling with the low end, or simply want a fresh pair of ears, we’ll help identify what’s working—and what could be improved.

This is an open walk-in event running every day. Drop by whenever it suits you—no appointment needed.

Info: Discover how everyday objects and simple movements are transformed into convincing sound effects for film and media. This hands-on workshop is divided into two parts. First, one of our teachers will give a live demonstration, revealing the techniques Foley artists use to create sounds that bring scenes to life.

After the demonstration, it’s your turn to step up to the Foley stage. Experiment with recreating footsteps, clothing movements, rattling chains, metallic effects. No previous experience is needed—just come along, get creative, and discover how much storytelling can happen through sound. 20 minutes per group of 6 people - make sure to be on time to secure your group.

Info: Get to know our campus, discover our facilities, and find out what makes our community unique. Join us for a guided group tour followed by an information session where you’ll learn more about our programmes, student life, and the opportunities available to you.

It’s a great chance to explore the campus, get your questions answered, and get a feel for what it’s like to study here.

Info: Discover how everyday objects and simple movements are transformed into convincing sound effects for film and media. This hands-on workshop is divided into two parts. First, one of our teachers will give a live demonstration, revealing the techniques Foley artists use to create sounds that bring scenes to life.

After the demonstration, it’s your turn to step up to the Foley stage. Experiment with recreating footsteps, clothing movements, rattling chains, metallic effects. No previous experience is needed—just come along, get creative, and discover how much storytelling can happen through sound. 20 minutes per group of 6 people - make sure to be on time to secure your group.

Info: Join us for a special presentation with a guest speaker from Sonarworks, exploring how software can help you achieve more reliable sound in your studio, even without professional acoustic treatment.
Discover how room correction can help compensate for acoustic issues and improve your listening environment as a practical, accessible solution for home studios and smaller budgets. You’ll also get an introduction to Sonarworks’ latest technology, which simulates the sound of different speakers and listening environments directly through headphones.
Whether you're producing, mixing, or simply looking to improve your studio setup, discover new ways to make better-informed audio decisions with the space and equipment you already have.

Info: Explore the creative possibilities of MIDI in Ableton Live and discover new ways to generate musical ideas, rhythms, variations, and evolving sound. In this workshop, you’ll learn how Ableton’s MIDI tools can work together with Max for Live devices to turn simple starting points into dynamic and unexpected results.

The session will cover generative composition techniques, creative drum programming, pattern creation, track variations, and experimental approaches to sound design. Through practical demonstrations, you’ll see how MIDI can be transformed, randomised, and reshaped to create music that continually develops—bringing an element of surprise to your creative process.

Info: Have an idea for a film, video, or story but not sure how to bring it to life? In this hands-on workshop, learn how to turn your initial idea into a script. Explore the basics of storytelling, character development, dialogue, and structure, and discover how to shape your ideas into a compelling narrative.

Whether you’re starting with a rough concept or just looking for inspiration, this workshop will help you take the first steps from idea to script. No prior writing experience is needed — just bring your imagination!

Info: Get hands-on with Ableton Move in this interactive clinic hosted by one of our experts. The session begins with a live demonstration from one of our teachers, introducing the device’s key features and showing how it can be used to capture ideas, build beats, and create music intuitively.

After the demonstration, you’ll have time to explore Move for yourself. Ableton will provide devices for participants to experiment, create, and jam together. Whether you’re already familiar with Ableton or completely new to its tools, this clinic is an opportunity to discover a playful, hands-on approach to making music.

Info: Get a first-hand look at what’s new in Ableton. Join Ableton Certified Trainer Jean-Paul Grobben as he showcases new features, inspiring Extensions, and new ways to shape sound, build ideas, and push your creative workflow further.
Expect live demos, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration to take back into your own music-making.

Info: Close out the day with a collaborative jam session built from your sounds. Participants are invited to connect to the teachers’ computers and send in their own audio—from beats and melodies to vocals, field recordings, textures, or unexpected noises.

Two SAE teachers will sample the incoming material, transform it, and weave it into a spontaneous live performance. Listen as individual sounds become part of a shared composition, evolving in real time through looping, processing, improvisation, and creative collaboration. Bring something to contribute or simply join the audience and experience what unfolds.

Info: Wind down, grab a drink, and connect with fellow students, creatives, and industry professionals in a relaxed and informal setting. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, exchange ideas, share experiences, or simply enjoy a drink and a good conversation, this is the perfect opportunity to expand your network beyond the classroom.

Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and make some new connections after hours!

Event venue & nearby stays

SAE Institute Amsterdam, 31 Johan van Hasseltweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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