Former Spotify music-learning founders launch new artist-to-artist learning platform, WHATCLASSA new artist-to-artist learning platform called WHATCLASS has launched, offering short-form classes led by influential names in music.
The platform has been developed by a team “with a track record developing music education and gaming”, who launched music learning on Spotify in 2024 and its music-learning partner platform, PLAYvirtuoso.

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The launch is backed by a partnership with ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), meaning learners can gain formal accreditation and real qualifications, as well as UCAS points and industry recognition, which is said to be a first for a platform of this kind.
Artist and producers available to learn from at launch include names like Fraser T Smith (songwriter/producer, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Stormzy, Dave), Moonchild Sanelly (Beyonce, Gorillaz), Joe Goddard (Hot Chip), Skream (UK Dubstep pioneer), Sarah Story (BBC Radio 1), Jamz Supernova (BBC 6 Music), Toddla T (Kneecap, Headie One, AJ Tracey), and Novelist (award-winning Grime MC).
A press release shared with MusicTech states that classes are built for immediacy, with insights and skills gained from real artists’ own lived experiences. WHATCLASS is also described as being “structured for the era of social media but grounded in educational rigour”, offering the depth often missing from other online ‘how-to’ tutorials. Each class has a specific learning outcome such as a production technique, creative inspiration, or industry knowledge. Many are also available to watch for free.

WHATCLASS co-founders Austen and Scott Smart (CEO, CPO) – who were originally DJs and recording artists – are also backed by senior leadership in tech, including Chillingo/Angry Birds, Pirate Studios and Sonos.
“Music education has become either too expensive or too fragmented. WHATCLASS is here to change that. We’re empowering real artists to teach the next generation and giving learners the knowledge we wish we had when we started out,” comments Austen.
You can sign up now for free, or join its premium tier for £11.99 per month. Find out more over at WHATCLASS.
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