Course Overview
Previously known as Music Technology, this course combines the use of lab keyboards and cutting-edge MixCraft studio software to allow students creative growth and personal and artistic expression through composing, editing, and producing a variety of original musical compositions.
Course Goals
Students are presented with a progressively tiered curriculum aimed at a variety of non-performance musical skills and knowledge including: instrumentation knowledge, iconic figures in music history, active music listening skills, brainstorming and creative goal setting, awareness of music’s connection to all facets of learning and its role in all academic disciplines.
During the course, students use lab equipment to create, record, and produce a piece of music.
Course Grading
Assessment in Music Composition & Production will be based on:
- Attention and effort to participate in class discussions
- Positive on-task conduct shown during class lessons and work periods
- Ability to follow provided instructions and produce a project within given work periods
- Willingness to take constructive feedback from peers/teachers and apply changes to work
Course Schedule
This class meets daily for one hour over the course of a 4-week period. If students are granted extensions to complete a project (absence due to academic services, illness, field trip, etc.) they will be able to arrange work periods during their available Flex time.
Presentation Opportunities
As artistic growth is heavily rooted in receiving feedback, students are assured any work presented will be done before a respectful and supportive peer community. Feedback will be positive, constructive, and support growth in students’ abilities as artists, listeners, evaluators, and presenters. Students will be given ample options to present their work to peers they choose or to the class as a whole. Outstanding examples of projects may occasionally be played for the class by the teacher with the composer remaining anonymous.
Sample Units
6th Grade
Keyboard Fundamentals (scales, chords, rhythm), Composing for the Five Instrument Families, Animal Character Composition, Short Animated Film Score
7th Grade
Composition Character Music (music based on a non-musical theme)
- The Four Seasons
- Music & Poetry
- Music and Visual Art
Exploring & Composing for the Drum Kit
Music For Advertising: Writing Video commercial scores and an original Radio Ad
8th Grade
Advanced Music Production
Foley Art: Sound for video & movie
Film Scoring: Scene Atmosphere Scoring, Character Themes, Scene Cues
- Utilizing software track effects
- Advanced editing, mixing, and implementing extended file types in projects
Foley Art: Sound for video & movie
Film Scoring: Scene Atmosphere Scoring, Character Themes, Scene Cues