Hack With The Beat is a free online music-themed hackathon for high schoolers.
Whether you're into code, sound, or both, join us from August 1, 2025, to August 3, 2025, for a weekend of creativity, collaboration, and innovation, all centered around the intersection of music and technology. No experience needed, just a passion for learning and making cool stuff!
What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is an event where people come together to create cool projects, usually using code, in a short amount of time (nothing to do with malicious hacking). It's all about learning, experimenting, and building something awesome!
Who can participate?
Any students in high school or below can participate, from all over the world! There are no age restrictions on who can attend. Also, you can enter as an individual or a team, with a maximum team size of 4 people. If you would like to work in a team but don't have one, we can help you find teammates in our Discord server!
Is Hack With The Beat free to attend?
Yes! There's no entry fee required, and you also have the chance to win swag and prizes by participating!
Is the event in person or virtual?
Hack With The Beat is a virtual event, which means that you can participate from anywhere as long as you have access to a digital device.
Do my projects have to be music-related?
No! Your entry does not have to be music-related, but we do have a few specific awards for music-related projects. If you don't have prior experience applying technology to music, we have free workshops that will teach you all that you need to know to succeed in this hackathon!
What if I don't know how to code?
That's completely fine! You can use no-code tools such as Scratch or MIT App Inventor to create your project, or you can attend our free workshops that teach you how to make websites, apps, and more. Submitting a no-code project won't put you at a disadvantage: we want to see what you can make with it!
When can we start working on our project?
You are allowed to brainstorm ideas beforehand, but cannot start working on your project until the start of the hackathon (see the schedule below). You can also use existing coding frameworks as long as you make clear what your contribution was.
Do you provide hardware?
If you are looking to do a hardware-based project, we unfortunately are unable to provide hardware for you to use. That said, you are free to use whatever hardware you have available (e.g. Raspberry Pi or Arduino)!
Why should I participate?
Participating in Hack With The Beat has many benefits. You will learn important computer science, design, business, management, and presentation skills that will help you in college and your career. Also, there are many awards you can win, with cool prizes and gear, that can boost your resume for college applications. Everyone who submits a project will receive an award certificate. Lastly, doing a hackathon is a fun experience that everyone should try at least once!
I'm very busy this summer and don't have a lot of free time; can I still participate?
Yes! We understand that many high schoolers have a lot going on during the summer, so that's why we host our hackathon over the weekend.
How do I sign up to be a judge or volunteer?
If you would like to help out with Hack With The Beat, email us at [email protected]!
I have a different question!
If you have a question that's not answered on this page, feel free to email us at [email protected], ask in our Discord server, or DM one of the organizers via Discord!
Schedule
Friday, July 18, 2025, 11:59 a.m. EDT
Deadline to register for Hack With The Beat.
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 1:00 p.m. EDT
Workshops will be released to everyone, available to watch and learn from whenever you have time.
Friday, August 1, 2025, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Participants are allowed to start working on their projects.
Sunday, August 3, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EDT
Participants must submit their projects by this time.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Live award ceremony via Youtube. If you aren't able to make it, you can watch the replay instead!
How to Participate
Three simple steps for you to Hack With The Beat!
Step 1. Gather your team (or go solo).
You can have a maximum of 3 other team members, for a max team size of 4 people. If you don't have a team, you can participate by yourself or find teammates using our Discord server! You want to have teammates with different strengths, from coding and design to project management and presentation, to do well.
Step 2. Register for the hackathon.
Sign up by July 18, 2025, using this form. The link is also available in our Discord server in #faq-and-resources. If you are participating in a team, each member must individually submit a registration form. Registering for the hackathon does not obligate you to participate: if something else comes up, that's okay! If you're looking for teammates, wait until you have all your team members before filling out the form.
Step 3. Get ready!
Once you receive a confirmation email that we've received your registration, you're all set! We highly recommend that you join our Discord server to stay updated with any changes or new opportunities. Detailed instructions on hackathon submission requirements will be sent out after registration closes. Check out the workshops when they're released to get a head start on preparation!
Awards & Prizes
We offer many awards with cool prizes, ranging from cash and learning opportunities to merch and trophies (exact amounts TBD). Each award has a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. It's possible to win more than one award. Below is a preliminary list of the awards: more to be added!
Most Creative Project
Awarded to the project with the most out-of-the-box or unexpected idea.
Best Technical Implementation
Awarded to the project that demonstrates strong technical skills or complex logic.
Best No-Code Project
Awarded to the project made with no-code tools that showcases excellence.
Best Presentation
Awarded to the project that has the most well-communicated video presentation, whether through a clear demo, engaging visuals, or confident speaking.
Best Individual Project
Awarded to the project made by an individual that demonstrates overall excellence.
Best Music-Themed Hack
Awarded to the project that most creatively integrates music.
Most Business Potential
Awarded to the project that is the most likely to succeed as a business.
Best Machine Learning Project
Awarded to the project that effectively and creatively uses machine learning to solve a problem. Preference given to music-related projects.
Best Game
Awarded to the project that best incorporates gaming.
Best Hardware Project
Awarded to the project that best utilizes physical devices.
Most Viral Project
Awarded to the project with the most likes on social media (using #hackwiththebeat).
Best First-Time Hacker Project
Awarded to the project made by first-time hackathon participants demonstrating overall excellence.
Best Overall Hack
Awarded to the project with the most impressive idea, creative execution, and real-world impact.
Workshops
A preliminary list of the workshops available (more to be added!). All workshops are roughly one hour long and available to watch at your own pace. You only need to watch the specific workshops you want to, not necessarily all of them.
Applications of Computer Science in Music Workshop
Recommended for: Everyone
Explore how computer science is transforming the world of music. This workshop dives into how coding, data, and algorithms can be used for musical creativity, analysis, and innovation, from composing and producing to understanding patterns in sound. Whether you're a coder, a musician, or just curious, you'll learn how tech can open up entirely new ways to experience and create music. No prior experience required!
Intro to Scratch Workshop
Recommended for: Beginner
New to coding? Start here! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn the basics of programming using Scratch: a visual coding platform that lets you build games, animations, and more. The only thing you need is to bring your creativity!
Web Development Workshop
Recommended for: Beginner to Intermediate
Want to build your own website? In this workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of web development. Starting with HTML and CSS, you will then dive into React.js to create interactive, modern user interfaces. Some coding experience is helpful, but not required; come ready to learn and create!
Python Workshop
Recommended for: Beginner to Intermediate
Learn one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages used in everything from web development to artificial intelligence. This workshop will introduce you to the basics of Python and walk you through how to write your first programs. Whether you're completely new to coding or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a great place to start.
Intro to Machine Learning Workshop
Recommended for: Intermediate to Advanced (but no past ML experience necessary)
Curious about how machines learn? This beginner-friendly workshop will introduce you to the core concepts of machine learning, from data to models to predictions. You’ll learn how computers can recognize patterns and make decisions, and you’ll even get to build a simple deep learning model that generates music! No prior ML experience required: just bring your interest in tech and creativity.
Contact Us
Have any questions? Feel free to ask in our Discord server or email us at [email protected]!