songwriting Archives - Music Impact Network

Creating a Black History Month Song/Project

Emphasize key events and leaders in Black History while creating an original beat

“I used this large group collaborative project during Black History Month to help teach my preteens and teens about their own history – for example, many of them didn’t know the basics of historical events and leaders. I combined an educational approach (researching basic Black History facts) with beat making in our studio to create an original song that we rehearsed, recorded and performed for the rest of our Club.” – Josh Alfonzo

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How to…

Organize/print age-appropriate historical facts about key individuals, leaders and events to explore during Black History Month – Example resources include:
- www.history.com/topics/black-history
- www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
- www.kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/black-history-month/
Participants (groups or individuals) choose or are assigned a Black History fact/s
Help each participant create original lyrics/verses using the facts provided
- For example, a participant selects or is assigned fact/s about Dr. Martin Luther King
- They then research more about his life, accomplishments and significance
- Each participant then creates/writes original lyrics (e.g. 2 to 4 bar phrase)
Create a collaborative beat – Encourage participants to provide feedback on the beat including:
- Style, tempo, vibe, and overall sound
- Let participants “vote” on sample sounds, beat/patterns, chord progression, bass lines, melodies, etc.
Once the beat/track is created play the beat on a loop
- Collaboratively write a “hook” for the track
- Help participants rehearse their verses (e.g. work on edits, flow, etc)
- Record each verse and hook
Edit and finalize the track
Showcase
- Post to social media
- Shoot a Music Video and share
- Perform live on stage

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3 Virtual Programs Using Flipgrid

Participants create short videos and contribute to virtual ensemble, songwriting, and open mic projects

The novelty of ZOOM is wearing off but many music programs still need virtual solutions to engage their participants. Flipgrid is a simple, free, and accessible video discussion experience for educators and their participants. Basically, an “Instagram” type of platform where participants can record and share short videos with their peers while ultimately you control who has access to the projects.

In addition…

Requires a free subscription and Flipgrid App – https://info.flipgrid.com
- Music Staff email used to subscribe must be a .org or .edu email domain
- Participants can use any email to join
Benefits of Flipgrid:
- Many schools already use it – youth are familiar with it
- Not public – Videos are only available to participants, staff and parents that you invite
- It’s playful and fun (e.g. video effects)
- No video/audio compression
- Simple and accessible (easier than uploading to google drive, etc)

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How to…

Example #1 – Virtual Ensemble We’ve all seen the “grid” style virtual ensemble videos and while professional musicians might be able to pull this off with nothing but a key signature and click track, young beginners may need some additional support.

Example Flipgrid Topic – https://flipgrid.com/cb183dd4

Decide on a song and key (cover song or original)
Download professional backing track
Create an audio “Conductor Track” (in a DAW) to help virtually conduct your participants with:
- Correct Key
- Tempo/Click track
- Song Form verbal cues and count-ins
- Performance instructions (e.g. “Don’t forget to smile”, etc)
- Video cues (e.g. “turn off your video… now”)
Upload Conductor Track to Flipgrid and share topic link and instructions with your participants
Each participant then “Records a Response” using their cell phone
- Video of themselves playing along with or singing along with the Conductor Track
Participant instructions (to sync audio and video):
- Open Flipgrid App – Click “Record a Response”
- Open the Conductor Track in Google Drive – press play
- Count along with the 1 or 2 measures of the Conductor Track (e.g. “1, 2, 3, 4”) before starting to play or sing. Counting will help sync the audio/video from other participant’s videos
- Switch back to Flipgrid to view yourself while recording
Tips for recording in Flipgrid
- Use your cell phone and a set of earbuds that have a built in microphone
  - This will isolate the audio and video of each participant’s performance
- Invite vocalists and instrumentalists to participating until you have a complete track
- Provide participants with video feedback and have them re-record if necessary
- Edit the performances together in iMovie, Final Cut or other video editing software
- Post for participants, staff and families to see

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4 “Masked” Music Production Ideas

You’ve heard of the “Masked Singer”… now try the “Masked” Producer!

Social distancing has limited the number of participants that can be served at any given time, which is especially challenging in the studio or smaller isolation booth spaces. So, how do you encourage music production collaborations when you can only have one youth participant in the studio at a time? Use these limitations to your advantage and encourage youth to make beats with an element of mystery.

In addition..

Projects can be done in either virtual, in-person or hybrid programming models. For Virtual programming – use a collaborative browser-based DAW like Soundtrap
NOTE: Disinfect production workstations and equipment between each use (if applicable)

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How to…

Mystery Musical (production) Chairs – Multiple participants
- Set up 3 (or more) Music Production stations in your music program space or multiple rooms
  - Can be as simple as an iPad and headphones or more complex production workstation
- Can be adapted for time, done over multiple days or send files virtually – the key is keeping identity of each participant a secret until the end
- Here is an hour-long Mystery Musical (production) Chairs session example:
  - 15 minutes – Assign participants to start a new project (e.g. create a 4-8 bar loop)
  - 15 minutes – Participants rotate to another workstation and must add or build off of what the previous participant has already created
  - 15 minutes – Participants rotate again to another workstation (same as previous step)
  - 15 minutes – Final tracks are played – youth reveal what they contributed to each track
Covert Chords – Multiple participants
- Assign all participants to create a beat using the same Keys/synth/guitar/bass loop
- Loops can be original, Splice, Garageband, etc.
- Determine a timeframe for the project (e.g. 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, etc) depending on skill level
- Participants work on their beats individually and come together for a final listening session
- Compare and contrast how each participant interpreted the loop
Ghost Writing – Multiple participants
- Decide on a theme for the song/project (e.g. Social Justice, Video Games, etc) – Be creative!
- Play a stock beat or loop over speakers (or in Zoom)
- Everyone writes 4-8 bars of lyrics based on the theme
- One at a time, participants sing/rap/record their lyrics in the studio, but the previous participant’s performance is muted
- Play the final mashed-up song for all participants at the end
Production Pen Pals – Two participants
- Pair two producers or musical artists together but keep their identities a secret
- Determine a production schedule of when each participant will come to the studio (or work virtually) on a track. Also set time limits on how long each participant can spend working on the project. For example:
  - Participant #1 – Monday and Wednesday 3-4pm
  - Participant #2 – Tuesday and Thursday 3-4pm
  - Participant #1 and #2 – Final listening session on Friday 3-4pm
- The first participant starts a beat in the studio (or virtually) and each participant take turns adding/subtracting to the beat in isolation and saving any vocal productions for last
- On the final day the duo is brought together (socially distanced) to reveal their identities and listen to the final production

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Logic Remote as a Midi Control Surface

Turn an iPad into a digital control surface and make beats like a pro

Some participants can be intimidated by the recording studio equipment and process. Empower them by using a tool they are comfortable – iPads and Logic Remote can be used as a control surface to make beats and help participants take control of the recording process. Whether they’re using the transport to record themselves from within the vocal booth, using the iPad as a “second screen” to multitrack mix in the control room, or using the iPad to program drum beats and chord progressions, Logic Remote is a versatile way to make the recording process more accessible to everyone!

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How to…

Download Logic Remote on iTunes App store (this is a Free App)
Launch your Logic Session and pair Logic Remote to your computer (must be on the same network)
- FYI: Logic Remote also works with Garageband

Use your iPad as a “second screen” or a “midi” control surface for your session using these helpful features (and more):
- Beat making/songwriting:
  - Drum Pads – digital trigger pads are a tactile way for participants to program in their kick and snare tracks. It also has a “Kits” view which is more visual drum set
  - Note Repeat – perfect for creating authentic sounding trap music “sprinkler hi hats”
  - Chord Strips – Similar to “Smart Chords” in Garageband, this is an easy way to write chord progressions. Participant can focus on quickly getting their ideas fleshed out without having to worrying about music theory
  - Keyboard – copying the root motion of the Smart Chords progression, participants can easily add a bass line or synth layers. It also has “Fretboard” features if you prefer
- Navigation and Mixing:
  - Key Commands – Frequently used recording functions like: Recording Transport, Save, New Track, Automation, etc
  - Mixer – great way to add a “second screen” that gives participants a tactile way to move digital faders during mixing/mastering

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Music Producer Incentive System

Participants earn studio privileges while improving their production skills!

The Music Producer Incentive 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.
- For larger Music Studios, this could include various physical studios and/or workstation setups (e.g. Studio A, B, C, etc. in separate rooms)
- For smaller Music Studios or single-room studios, consider limiting access to programs, software, and recording equipment (further described below)
All participants start on the most basic setup and “level-up” to more sophisticated studios (or equipment) 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, vocal 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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Music Production for Large Groups

Got a big group for your studio – why not have them all contribute on a track?!

Sometimes you end up with 15 beginner participants in your studio and they all want to make a beat right now! Music Production for Large Groups gives you some tips on how to create a “patchwork quilt” music production project. This allows many different participants with different tastes, preferences, ideas and skills all to contribute to one big tapestry… your final track!

In addition participants:

Learn basic music production and songwriting techniques
Learn collaboration while working towards an end goal
Are inspired to work on solo music production projects
Produce enough tracks to release an album

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How to…

Establish:
- End goal/s (i.e. “Album Release” party and/or performance at end of the semester)
- Session days and times. Meet with the group on a regular basis.
- Participants who are interested in contributing (include as many as possible)
- Themes or topics, decided upon as a group and influenced by the music mentors/staff

Participants collaboratively produce style/genre, samples, sounds, and beats
Break down the beat into smaller sections or individual elements for participants to perform/record
- For example, to produce the drum track:
  - Participant “A” performs bass drum pattern on trigger pad
  - Participant “B” performs snare drum pattern
  - Participant “C” performs hi-hat pattern
  - Participant “D, E and F” record claps on 2 & 4
  - Etc…
- Repeat this process for bass and chords
  - Participants layer single notes on guitar, bass, and/or piano
- Involve different participants for each Verse, Chorus, and Bridge. Mentors continually keep the momentum going.
Add lyrics once beat is finalized
- Download a rhyming dictionary App on iPads
- Each participant writes lyrics to contribute to the project (i.e. 1 or 2 bars worth of lyrics)
- Each participant performs their lyrics in the isolation booth right away. This gets them hooked, motivated, and involved.
Mix and finalize the track
- Participants who don’t want to sing/perform can help with the final mix by editing and adding effects.
- Participants can also get involved in creating album art, photo/video, etc., to help support the album’s creation.
Repeat this process until participants have produced several tracks
Rehearse and prepare for an album release party, and have all participants perform their original songs

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Solo Artist Music Production Projects

Give participants a true “indie-label” experience by helping an up-and-coming artist complete an original album

Help guide an independent, solo artist through all aspects of a music production including songwriting, lyric writing, production, engineering, performance, and marketing/promoting their brand. These projects give independent and self-directed participants the freedom to produce an original album while having support from staff members along the way.

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How to…

Create an invite only in-house “record label” for dedicated participants
- Solo artists are invited to be part of “record label”
Meet with Solo Artist to discuss their project timeframes, goals and outcomes
Artist is responsible for all songwriting, lyrics, production, content, ideas, artwork, etc.
- Coach the artist on production process, needs, and goal setting
Recording sessions should be booked in advance and as needed
Support, support, support! And keep Solo Artist on task
Help troubleshoot with music industry questions like:
- Publishing album online
- Marketing/promotion on social media
- Booking performances
- Etc.
Record a “commercially ready” original album and post for sale (iTunes, etc)
Help artist book performance and market their album to friends, family and supporters

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3 Quick Songwriting Activities

Three proven ways to get participants engaged in songwriting right away

Songwriting and especially lyric writing can be a daunting experience especially if a participant has never done it before. The three examples below get participants writing original songs as quickly as possible using techniques used by professional songwriters. Participants will learn basic songwriting/lyric writing skills and techniques and work as a team to create original songs/lyrics and record/perform their own original songs!

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How to…

A “blank canvas” can be intimidating for even the most experienced artist. The following examples have built-in “creative limitations” to help keep participants focused on completing the task at hand and sets them up for success. Keep your participants accountable to work within the boundaries of the writing activity or songwriting technique and watch how it helps drive participants’ creativity.

Here are 3 examples of successful songwriting activities:

Example 1: “Just write” – Encourage participants to explore stream-of-consciousness lyric writing.

Pick any topic (really ANY topic… e.g. “water bottle” was used once and worked great!)
For 5-10 minutes, participants write in a notebook (or on their phones) without stopping.
Encourage participants to go back through their notes and look for lines or words that jump out.
- Help them look for metaphors or build a story behind the theme they chose.
Participants can then rewrite or continue to develop lyrics into a full song.

Example 2: “Scaffolding” – Create an original song using the song form and chord changes of another song.

Participants choose a song they like and are familiar with and analyze the song form and chords.
Participants choose a new theme/topic and write new lyrics to the verse, chorus, bridge, etc.
Participants then take their new lyrics and rewrite the melody of the song.
- Optional: You can also choose a new chord progression, key, tempo, and/or whatever works
Record and/or perform!

Example 3: “Changing Perspective” – This activity places a participant/s in their peer’s shoes, encouraging empathy and shift in perspective and voice.

Divide participants into pairs.
Participants share a “small moment” experience from their day.
- Optional: Pairs can pick a topic or theme so their lyrics are similar.
Loop a beat or chord progression (whatever feels right for the group).
Each individual writes lyrics about their partner’s experience (in first person).
Participants then add or change tempo/beat/melodies to adjust to the mood.
Participants can then rewrite or continue to develop lyrics into a full song.
Record and/or perform!

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Dub Club

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)
- Teens choose a scene from their favorite movie (https://www.scriptslug.com/) or other viral video
- Find a Video Clip of the scene and strip the audio
- Each participant records their voice recreating the scene

Art of Foley (Check out “The Magic of Making Sound” for inspiration)
- Teens choose a commercial, funny YouTube video, movie, show or cartoon
- Pick a short clip and remove all of the audio
- Set up microphone and record voiceovers
- Edit voice overs showing participants how to “punch-in” audio
- Add additional audio tracks and have participants recreate sound effects using everyday items
- Drag and drop other sound effects that are harder to recreate

Additional ideas:
- Host a viewing session to watch all Dub Club videos
- Discuss what they like about each project and what can be improved, etc.
- Create an organization-wide Dub Club challenge
- Show off their creations on your organizations’ social media pages

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The Remix Contest

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
- Winner chosen by audience favorite