Demystify complicated studio gear and get participants making beats right away
What better way to teach all the basics of the recording studio than to have participants create a couple projects of their own?! Engage your new or beginner participants with a real-world project while they learn the expectations for handling studio equipment and basic music production concepts and techniques.
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How to…
Participants complete a Recording Studio Orientation to learn:
Studio Rules and Expectations (see following “Sample Recording Studio Contract”)
How to use and take care of all studio equipment
Basics of studio equipment and their functions
How to properly turn on and shut down studio equipment
How to set up a basic Logic Pro X project (i.e. new tracks, check levels, and record enable)
Conduct a simple verbal quiz to make sure participants have learned the names of all studio equipment
Have participants produce two basic “demo” Music Production projects using iPad Workstations or computer workstations following this process:
GarageBand project at least 32 bars long
Distinct “A” and “B” sections
Minimum of 5 tracks
At least one track performed live by the participant then quantized (others can be Apple loops)
Being a performer isn’t the only option to work in the music industry
Do you have connections or friends in the Music Industry? Invite them to speak with your participants to help them understand their options when pursuing their musical goals/dreams. Expose participants to possible career paths in the music industry, help them develop a support network and networking skills and encourage participants to set career goals with practical steps on how to achieve them.
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How to…
Invite guests from different parts of the music industry or schedule field trips, including:
Each participant creates their REMIX version of the song of the week – then pick a winner!
Use the isolated stems and samples from popular artists to unleash your participant’s creativity. At the start of each week provide your participants a Remix template file (in Logic or Ableton) preloaded with with the hook of a popular song. Throughout the week participants work on creating their unique version of the song by adding their own drum beat, chords, bass lines and custom mix. At the end of the week, host a voting session on Friday to determine the winner.
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How to…
The Remix Contest takes some weekly preparation from music program staff:
Select the “Remix Song of the Week” (e.g. a popular Top 40 Song)
Search for a popular song with an isolated vocal track
Tip – have participants create a playlist of songs they’d like to remix
Create a Remix Template to be used by all participants
Trim to only include about 30 sec (e.g. bridge and final chorus)
Edit for beat-matching using the metronome
Program/sequence basic chords or significant lead/bass lines
Each participant or groups of participants starts the week’s contest with the same Remix Template
Throughout the week/s:
Participants work in groups or on their own
Participants create their own original drum beat including:
Choose kit sound/s
Snare, kick, and hi-hat patterns
Help participants experiment by adjusting the patterns around
Help participants experiment with other sounds, percussion and effects
Participants can also edit the basic template chords and bass lines that were pre-programmed
Adjust sound libraries and instruments
Add parts/harmonies
Adjust to fit their customized drum pattern
Add effects, plugins, and adjust mix
Voting session: Host a listening and “Voting Session” at the end of the week
Anonymously play each 30 second Remix
After all remixes are played, participants vote by raise of hands
Announce and recognize the winner!
Highlight/showcase weekly winner on a bulletin board
Optional end of session “Remix Champion” event
Weekly Remix Contest winners go head to head at the end of the semester to crown the ultimate “Remix Champion” (complete with trophy/prize
Motivate your Very Important Participants to become Virtuoso Instrument Players!
Avoid the musical progress plateau with your participants by motivating and challenging them with an exclusive VIP Band program opportunity. Each week, Junior band participants (age 13-15) and Senior band participants (age 16-18) participate in exclusive Workshops and programs that help build skills in their chosen instrument. Participants in this program are expected to attend weekly instrument and/or studio Workshops to develop their musical knowledge and music technology expertise. They will work closely with their bandmates to build strong bonds with their peers. VIP Band participants have opportunities to play at higher stakes performance opportunities in the community, developing a sense of pride in their hard work and dedication.
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How to…
Participants in the VIP Band Program are divided into two bands. Each group is typically limited to no more than 10-12 participants:
Junior Band: ages 13-15
Senior Band: ages 16-18
Each week, VIP Band members commit to:
Participating in their choice of Instrument Workshop/s
Attend a at least one weekly Workshop series such as guitar, bass, drums, piano, vocals, lyric writing, music production or music business
Each participant is encouraged to stick to their chosen instrument for the entire semester but can change their instrument choice at the start of a new semester
Expanding their Musical Knowledge
Learn and apply the basics of music (like rhythm, harmony, melody and notation basics) on their chosen instrument
Project – Compose an original 16-32 bar song by the end of each semester
Participating in Music Production projects
Such as “Sound-alike” projects, iPad beat making, Recording Studio sessions
Project suggestion – Record an original song with distinct “A” and “B” sections by the end of each semester
Joining a band
Learn rehearsal and performance techniques
Project suggestion – Perform in one Open Mic night by the end of the semester
Tracking VIP participants’ progress:
Create a poster board tracking sheet
Participants get a stamp in the category activity they’ve completed each week. Visually displaying progress is motivational to the participants.
VIP’s must have 3 stamps at the end of each week, 12 stamps at the end of each month
Sample VIP Band Incentives:
First to know about concert tickets, field trips
Prioritized Recording Session time
High profile performance opportunities (galas, fundraisers, community events, etc.)
Opportunities for a music video shoot
Monthly rewards, raffles, prizes
Music books, lyric books, pick necklaces, VIP-only party (ice cream, movie night)
Expose participants to sampling through culturally and historically significant music
Part music history workshop and part sampling workshop – Participants learn about and discuss the cultural/historical significance of each song used while learning how to produce and perform an original song using samples. Teach your participants basic sampling skills, expose them to new styles/genres of music and help them build a foundation and appreciation for where modern music gets its roots.
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How To…
Explore music samples using WhoSampled website or App
Import the tracks into a Studio Computer or iPad
Use interesting samples to build an original beat
Encourage participants to create their own original lyrics that complement the spirit of the song
Post finished tracks to social media websites or host a showcase event
Song Ideas:
“I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)” – by Nina Simone
“Selma March” – by Grant Green
“We Shall Overcome” – by Larry Goldings
“Alabama” by John Coltrane
“Change Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
“Lift Every Voice And Sing” – by Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff