Microsoft Silicon Valley played a big role in making TeenHQ's recording studio a reality, providing funding after working with the library for over a year on its design. The Teen Groundbreakers built the studio's Whisper Room sound booth themselves. They set it up with a Maschine Studio production system so that teens could use professional microphones, a MIDI controller, and editing software like Pro Tools and Adobe Premiere.
Just like the makerspace, the recording studio required orientation and training. Teens had to sign a waiver and attend a short orientation before they could book time. It wasn't long before the first tracks were recorded—SJPL staff and a teen member made their first track together soon after the studio opened. Recording Studio Orientation sessions quickly became a regular part of TeenHQ's early schedule. The studio also hosted workshops with local artists, like a songwriting session with producer Traxamillion and a DJ workshop with the Bangerz.
Before 2020, teens could book studio time directly, which gave a clear record of how the space was used. During those years, 144 teens made 606 bookings, totaling 643 hours at just over an hour per session on average. Unlike the makerspace, which was busiest on Saturdays, the recording studio saw steady use throughout the week. Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday were the most popular days, and the busiest time was after school around 3 p.m.
When the pandemic forced TeenHQ to close, the recording studio faced a challenge. It was a small, enclosed space designed for close teamwork, which was not ideal when everyone needed distance and better airflow. When the studio reopened, staff updated the equipment to fit the smaller space. They chose a simpler setup focused on a high-quality microphone and GarageBand, rather than the larger production system used before.
This change also led to a new appointment-based booking system in 2024, replacing the old open reservations. Now, teens take a short online training before their first visit, then book
90-minute sessions up to a week in advance. Up to two teens can share a session. In the first two years, the system recorded 236 appointments, showing that even after ten years, teens are still using the studio regularly.
One program has become a regular part of the studio: the Teen Voice-Over Challenge. This monthly session lets teens try voice acting in the booth. Since August 2023, it has brought teens back again and again. For example, in November 2024, 13 teens joined the challenge, showing that even after ten years, the studio keeps finding new ways to get teens involved. The studio has also offered a podcast program, where teens learned to plan, record, and edit their own episodes; a song and music writing TeenHQ Master Class; a GarageBand instructional program; and a DJ program that taught mixing and turntable basics. These programs show how many creative opportunities the space now supports.
Teen Voice-Over Challenge Winners
Be the Villain Challenge: Winner, Fabiola (High School), öffnet ein neues Fenster
British Accent Challenge: Winner, Kaz (High School), öffnet ein neues Fenster
Escape the Carnivale Challenge: Winner, Ariella (Middle School), öffnet ein neues Fenster
The Script Challenge: Winner, Aakanksha (High School), öffnet ein neues Fenster
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