Over the past month, I had the pleasure of leading an intensive electronic music workshop designed for children aged 8 to 12. The experience blended education, creativity, and play into a vibrant and engaging learning environment. At the core of this journey was the EP–133 K.O. II by Teenage Engineering, a compact and powerful sampler/sequencer that turned out to be the perfect tool for introducing young minds to music production.

Workshop Goals

The concept was simple but ambitious: to teach kids the basics of electronic music by letting them dive right in—no tedious theory, no complex software. We wanted them to touch, hear, and create using a real instrument, not just watch or listen. The EP–133 gave us exactly what we needed.

The workshop ran for four weeks, with two sessions per week, each lasting 90 minutes. Every session focused on a specific aspect of music-making—beat making, sampling, sound manipulation, arranging—but always through a hands-on, exploratory approach.

Why the EP–133 K.O. II?

The EP–133 K.O. II proved to be an ideal device for several key reasons:

  • Simple yet deep interface: The kids picked up the basics within minutes, using the pads to play, record, and manipulate sounds.
  • Built-in sampling: The onboard microphone allowed them to record their own voices and everyday sounds, sparking their imagination and turning ordinary noises into music.
  • Durable and portable: Lightweight and sturdy, it was perfect for young hands and active classroom use.
  • Familiar design: Many of the children compared it to a video game controller, which made it less intimidating and more inviting.

Throughout the workshop, the children:

  • Recorded sounds from their voices and surrounding environments (hand claps, footsteps, classroom objects).
  • Built simple beats using preloaded kits and custom samples.
  • Manipulated samples using pitch, filters, and effects.
  • Structured full tracks with intros, loops, and outros.
  • Participated in a collaborative mini-performance at the end of the workshop, showcasing each child’s beat.

Each child had access to their own EP–133 during the sessions, enabling a personal and tactile learning experience.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—from both kids and their parents. Here are some highlights:

  • Kids: “It feels like a game, but I can make the music I hear on YouTube!”, “I love putting my voice in the track!”, “I want to make beats at home now!”
  • Parents: “My daughter has never been so excited about a creative activity”, “He learned to think musically in just a few sessions”, “Finally something that blends tech and creativity in a meaningful way.”

As a teacher, I was truly inspired by how naturally the kids engaged with music when given the right tools. They weren’t just learning—they were discovering, experimenting, and expressing themselves with genuine enthusiasm.

Using the EP–133 K.O. II transformed what could have been a simple music workshop into a rich, fun, and educational experience. Teenage Engineering has created a device that is both professional and approachable, making advanced musical concepts accessible to young beginners in an intuitive way.

This workshop wasn’t just an introduction to electronic music—it was proof that, with the right tools, children can go beyond passive listening and become creators. Given the excitement and results, we’re already planning a second series, possibly with live showcases and deeper project-based learning.

With tools like the EP–133, electronic music is no longer just for adults or professionals. It’s playful, expressive, and within reach—for everyone.