Detroit youth. Creative futures.

Music and media.
Made possible.

CYFR brings music production, podcasting, and digital media into reach for young people in Detroit.

Hands-on learning. Creative mentorship. Space to make something of their own.

Explore our programs Partner with CYFR

Our story

From Detroit's music community.
For its next generation.

A student's interest in music can be the beginning of much more.

CYFR Foundation was founded by Detroit recording artist Derek Talifer, known professionally as Dusty McFly, to help young people explore the creative process and the business behind it.

Our work connects music production, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Students get guidance as they develop ideas, learn the tools, and work toward projects they can share.

We partner with schools and community organizations to bring that learning to students. Participation in our planned school-based workshops is free for enrolled students, with schools and funding partners covering program costs.

Get to know CYFR

What we do

Learn by making.

Four connected areas of creative learning, shaped around student interests and each school partnership.

01

Music production

Explore beat-making, songwriting, recording, and arranging. Work toward an original track and learn how the pieces come together.

02

Podcasting

Develop an idea, prepare an interview, record audio, and edit a conversation. Practice listening and telling a story in your own voice.

03

Digital media

Plan, film, and edit content. Explore how images, sound, and storytelling work together to communicate an idea.

04

Creative entrepreneurship

Connect creative work with branding, planning, and ownership. Learn the thinking behind developing and presenting your own project.

Get to know the work

A closer look
at CYFR.

Watch our introduction to the CYFR brand and the creative work at the heart of our mission.

Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Upcoming programming

Next stop:
University Prep.

November 2026 Planned start · Detroit, MI

Creative learning, during the school day.

Our planned University Prep program will bring music production, podcasting, digital media, and creative entrepreneurship to a cohort of 20–25 students.

Students will work toward original projects, a portfolio, and a showcase of what they've created. Sessions will connect technical practice with collaboration, presentation, and ownership.

Who it's for
Participating University Prep students
Student cost
No participation fee
How we'll follow progress
Attendance, completed projects, portfolios, and student reflections

Exact dates and enrollment details will be coordinated with the school.

Ask about the program

School & community partnerships

Bring CYFR
to your students.

Let's build a program that fits your school.

We work with partners on session schedules, creative focus, equipment needs, and student projects. Options include an eight-week introduction, additional studio sessions, and ongoing mentorship.

Contact us for partnership options and program pricing. Schools and funding partners cover program costs; students pay no admission or participation fee for our planned school-based workshops.

Start a conversation

Be part of what comes next

Help make room
for young creatives.

Your support helps provide equipment, creative software, instruction, and mentorship for Detroit youth.

Support CYFR Explore sponsorship or equipment support