BPM EXPO 2026
Two Days. Three Tracks. One Real Music Industry Experience.
Created by the Troy University AES Student Chapter
Register a School
Student-Centered
Hands-On
This Isn't Just Another Music Conference
BPM EXPO 2026 isn't a passive conference. It's a hands-on, student-centered music industry experience for those who want more than lectures.
Over two days at Troy University, you won't just watch professionals talk about the industry—you'll work in it. You'll rehearse, record, perform, engineer, ask questions, and make decisions in professional studios alongside industry pros and faculty.
BPM EXPO highlights one key idea: music careers are shaped where music, production, and business intersect. This event makes those connections visible, practical, and achievable.
The Two-Day Experience
BPM EXPO 2026 is carefully structured across two intensive days, each with its own distinct focus and energy. This deliberate design ensures students receive both deep instructional foundation and exciting performance opportunities.
Thursday – April 23
Immersion + Preparation Day
Thursday is focused, instructional, and preparation-driven. Students dive deep into hands-on learning with dedicated time for skill-building and professional development.
Friday – April 24
Conference + Showcase Day
Friday is public-facing, high-energy, and performance-focused. The conference opens to a broader audience with keynotes, panels, and culminates in an evening concert showcase.
Day 1
Thursday: Immersion + Preparation
Thursday, April 23rd kicks off BPM EXPO with an intensive day of hands-on learning and professional preparation. This is where students roll up their sleeves and get direct experience with the tools, techniques, and workflows that define the modern music industry.
01
Production & Performance Labs
Hands-on sessions covering live sound engineering, recording techniques, and performance preparation in professional facilities.
02
Recording & Workflow Sessions
Students learn industry-standard recording processes, from signal flow to session management and critical listening skills.
03
Performance Coaching
Professional musicians and educators work directly with student performers on stage presence, technique, and ensemble dynamics.
04
Featured Band Preparation
Selected high school bands receive dedicated rehearsal time, sound checks, and stage preparation with full production support.
05
Faculty Roundtables
Directors, faculty, and industry professionals discuss curriculum development, career pathways, and educational best practices.
Day 2
Friday: Conference + Showcase
Friday, April 24th transforms BPM EXPO into a dynamic, public-facing conference and performance showcase. The energy shifts from intensive learning to celebration and demonstration of everything students have prepared.
The day opens with an inspiring keynote from industry leaders, setting the tone for a packed schedule of conference programming across three specialized tracks. Students navigate between sessions based on their interests and career goals, while the entire event builds toward the evening concert—the ultimate showcase of student talent and professional production.
Morning Keynote
Industry leaders share insights and inspiration
Conference Sessions
Three tracks of specialized programming
Evening Concert
Professional showcase featuring student performers
Featured Industry Professionals
BPM EXPO programming is built around real industry experience, not theory alone. Our featured professionals bring decades of combined experience from the highest levels of the music industry, having worked with major artists, labels, and projects worldwide.
These industry leaders don't just lecture—they actively engage with students through hands-on sessions, demonstrations, and personal mentorship opportunities. Participants gain direct access to professionals who are actively working in the field and understand current industry realities, challenges, and opportunities.
Professional Guitarist
Kevin Enstrom
Virtuoso Guitarist & Session Musician
Kevin Enstrom is a highly regarded guitarist whose career has been defined by technical mastery and a versatile command of the instrument. His work as a session musician and performer has brought him to stages and studios across the globe, contributing to a wide range of musical projects.
With a deep understanding of music theory, tone shaping, and live performance dynamics, Kevin brings a unique voice to every track he touches. His ability to seamlessly blend intricate fretwork with musical sensitivity has made him a sought-after collaborator in the contemporary music scene.
At BPM EXPO, Kevin shares his expertise with attendees, conducting masterclasses that cover everything from advanced soloing techniques and improvisational concepts to achieving the perfect studio guitar tone. His hands-on approach provides aspiring musicians with the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s industry.
Grammy WINNING
Tom Kahre
Grammy-Nominated Engineer, Producer & Musician
Tom Kahre brings a unique triple-threat perspective as an accomplished engineer, producer, and performing musician. His Grammy nominations recognize excellence in recording engineering, while his work as a multi-instrumentalist provides deep musical insight that informs every production decision.
Tom's diverse skill set allows him to bridge the gap between technical precision and musical artistry. He understands the recording process from both sides of the glass—as both the person capturing the sound and the person creating it. This dual perspective makes him an invaluable mentor for students pursuing any aspect of music production.
His BPM EXPO sessions focus on the intersection of musicianship and engineering, teaching students how technical knowledge and musical understanding work together to create compelling recordings. Learn more about Tom's work at www.tomkahre.com.
Industry Expert
Matt Fulton
Music Industry Professional – Business Affairs & Artist Pathways
Matt Fulton specializes in the business side of music, bringing extensive experience in business affairs, contract negotiation, rights management, and artist career development. In an industry where talent alone isn't enough, understanding the business framework is essential for long-term success.
Matt's expertise covers the full spectrum of music business operations, from publishing and licensing to distribution strategies and royalty structures. He's passionate about educating emerging artists and music professionals about protecting their work, understanding their rights, and making informed business decisions.
At BPM EXPO, Matt leads sessions on contracts, royalties, career pathways, and the realities of building sustainable music careers in today's rapidly evolving industry landscape. His practical, no-nonsense approach helps students understand complex business concepts in accessible, actionable terms.
Troy University Faculty
In addition to our featured industry professionals, BPM EXPO leverages the exceptional talent and expertise of Troy University's John M. Long School of Music faculty. These accomplished educators bring both academic excellence and real-world professional experience across music performance, production, and business.
Music Faculty
Expert instructors in performance, composition, theory, and pedagogy with extensive teaching and performing experience.
Production Faculty
Audio engineering and music technology professors with professional studio experience and cutting-edge technical knowledge.
Industry Faculty
Music business and entrepreneurship instructors who understand the realities of building music careers in contemporary markets.
Together with our industry professionals, Troy University faculty create a comprehensive learning experience that bridges academic rigor with professional practice, giving students the best of both worlds.
Day 2
Friday: Conference + Showcase
Friday, April 24th transforms BPM EXPO into a dynamic, public-facing conference and performance showcase. The energy shifts from intensive learning to celebration and demonstration of everything students have prepared.
The day opens with an inspiring keynote from industry leaders, setting the tone for a packed schedule of conference programming across three specialized tracks. Students navigate between sessions based on their interests and career goals, while the entire event builds toward the ultimate showcase of student talent and professional production.
Morning Keynote
Industry leaders share insights and inspiration
Conference Sessions
Three tracks of specialized programming
Showcase Concerts
Professional showcase featuring student performers
Day 1
Thursday, April 23 – Immersion + Preparation Day
Invited Groups Only | Shared Experience
1
8:30–9:00 AM
Check-In and Welcome
All panelists present
2
9:00–10:30 AM
Integrated Production & Performance Lab
Live sound fundamentals, stage workflow, and signal flow
Lead: Tom Kahre | Guest perspective: Kevin Enstrom and Kenny Beck
3
10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Recording & Workflow Intensive
Session setup, tracking mindset, and critical listening
Lead: Tom Kahre
4
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch Break
On your own
5
1:00–2:15 PM
Musicianship & Ensemble Preparation
Time, groove, articulation, ensemble communication
Lead: Kevin Enstrom | Support: Tom Kahre and Eric Ward
6
2:30–3:45 PM
Production & Mixing Perspective
What producers and engineers actually listen for
Lead: Tom Kahre | Support: Eric Ward and Chandler Bridges
7
4:00–5:15 PM
Featured Ensemble Preparation
Rehearsals, sound checks, and stage flow
Kevin Enstrom • Tom Kahre • Kenny Beck
Day 2
Friday, April 24 – Conference + Showcase Day
Public-Facing | Choice-Based Sessions
9:00–9:45 AM
Keynote
10:00–11:00 AM
Ensemble A: Smith Station Jazz Group and Pike HS Ensemble
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Choose Your Track
1:00–2:00 PM
Choose Your Track (Session 2)
2:00–3:00 PM
Ensemble B: TBD and Smith Station
3:15–4:00 PM
Student-Led Career Pathways Panel
4:30–6:00 PM
BPM EXPO Capstone Concert: POPulus and featured guests, TBD
April 23–24, 2026 – Troy University
Two days. Three tracks. One real music industry experience. BPM EXPO 2026 is where education meets industry, where students become professionals, and where the future of music takes shape.
Join us at the John M. Long School of Music at Troy University for an immersive conference experience that will transform how your students understand and engage with the music industry.

BPM EXPO is hosted by the John M. Long School of Music at Troy University in collaboration with Ilium Records and industry partners. For more information, contact the School of Music directly. music@troy.edu
Ready to Experience the Real Music Industry?
BPM EXPO 2026
April 23–24, 2026
Troy University – John M. Long School of Music
Troy, Alabama
BPM EXPO is where students stop imagining the music industry and start working inside it. This is your chance to rehearse, record, perform, and learn alongside Grammy-winning professionals in real studios and on real stages.
Don't just watch the music industry from the outside. Step in and experience what it's really like to work as a professional.
Two Immersive Days
Hands-on workshops, recording sessions, and live performances
Grammy-Winning Pros
Learn directly from industry veterans who are actively working
Real Industry Experience
Work in professional studios and performance spaces