Engineering

Music Producer Reward System

Participants earn studio privileges while improving their producing skills!

The Music Producer Reward System motivates participants to learn more in the studio by creating 3 levels of “Producers”. As participants advance, they learn studio software and techniques and “level-up” to earn additional studio privileges.

How to…

  • First, set up various levels of Music Production workstations and/or studios in your program space.
  • Participants start on the basic setup and “level-up” to more sophisticated studios as they learn more skills. For example:
    • “Studio A” – iMac or iPad Workstation equipped with Garageband (Headphone based)
    • “Studio B” – iMac Workstation with Logic and basic interface/mic setup (with speakers) located inside of a practice room
    • “Studio C” – Professional level project studio, complete with Logic/ProTools, Isolation booth, and your program’s most advanced recording studio equipment
  • Determine what skills participants must demonstrate in order to gain access to each studio. Print and display the requirements for each level of “producer” (Sample levels are provided below)
  • Create an incentive chart to visually track and help motivate participants’ achievements. Regularly post and update the names of each “Co-Producer”, “Producer” and “Executive Producer”

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Explore similar resources in Music Production

Podcast

Encourage “youth voice” while reinforcing planning, communication, and basic production

Podcasts are popular and easier than ever to create – anyone can do it.  Help your participants start their own Podcast to discuss music, social/community issues, or whatever else they want to discuss.  Participants will learn the audio production process along with how to respectfully engage in a group discussion.  

In addition… 

  • Great way to introduce participants to recording/production best practices
  • Participants also learn life skills like planning, thinking, and communication
  • Participants can express their thoughts/opinions about relevant topics (in a safe environment) 
  • Participants can use a Podcast as a platform to showcase their music projects and ideas

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How to… 

  • Set up your studio or a dedicated Podcast station (Computer/DAW, microphone/s and a quiet room)
  • Staff can act as moderator/host (to help steer the conversation) or assign a participant to host 
  • Assign participant roles like: host, guests, expert, engineer, performer, music director, note taker, etc.
  • Choose topic (music, bands, projects, current events, family/friends, video games, fashion, etc.) 
  • Have participants research the topics and write 6­-10 questions relating to the topic.
  • As a group, write the introduction (listen to professional radio/podcast introductions for inspiration).
  • When ready, record an Introduction to the week’s topic.
  • With the host moderating the conversation, record the conversation about your chosen topic, passing the microphone from participant to participant (or set up enough mics for everyone).
  • Once the conversation is done, have the participants edit the audio, considering:
    • Remove silences
    • Remove inappropriate content or off topics comments 
    • Edit mistakes and mess-ups 
    • Add background audio, sound clips, and sound effects 
Note: The editing process is a good Youth Development opportunity. Staff can coach participants to develop planning, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
  • Post to the web: Soundcloud, YouTube or other social media 
Optional steps/ideas: Compose and record theme-song for the podcast and use it each weekUse a field recorder to capture sounds/clips from different environments/peopleGo Live! Host a weekly Live Discussion on social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc) 

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Logic Pro X Tutorials

Simple tips/tricks for Logic Pro X that help participants worry about the song, not the gear.

Quick Mix With Pink Noise

Get a quick, balanced mix every time by mixing with pink noise.
Objective: Time is money in the world of music recording. Mix/master participants’ tracks quickly!
  • Introduce concepts of EQ and dynamic equalizer
  • Create consistent and balanced mixes
  • Learn where different frequencies/sounds sit in a mix
  • Participants discover the basic concepts of mixing easily and quickly!

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