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)
Two sound design projects that will build your participants’ critical listening skills and creativity
From TikTok to YouTube, everyone is making video content these days. But, the best video productions also have excellent audio quality and sound design. Help your participants tap into their inner voice actor or foley artist by encouraging them to rebuild the audio for short video clips.
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How to…
Voice Acting (Check out TikTok #voiceover for inspiration)
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
