Black Eyed Peas have revealed that they will open a music academy in New York.

The band's Peapod Foundation will work with the Adobe Foundation to create a Peapod Adobe Youth Voices music academy.

The academy will be based in New York and will hold classes for 13 - 19 year-olds to learn how to use professional equipment for music and video production, reports Billboard.

"Our passion for music and media was fueled by many generous people on our road to success," said  Will.i.am.

He added: "Expanding the network of Peapod Adobe Youth Voices academies enables us to pay it forward, giving more youth the skills and encouragement they need to realise their dreams."

The Black Eyed Peas have dedicated their latest music video to the victims of Japan's recent earthquake and tsunami. 

(by Holly Frith)