Class Description
In this two-day music production class, students will experience the full creative process of building a song from the ground up. On Day One, students will learn how to develop a song idea, write lyrics, shape melodies, understand basic song structure, and record vocals or musical parts in a studio setting. On Day Two, students will learn how to mix and master that same song by balancing vocals, instruments, effects, levels, and final sound quality.
The purpose of this class is to help students use music as a tool for storytelling, self-expression, and creativity. Students will learn that every song begins with an idea, a feeling, or a story – and through the recording process, that idea can become something real that others can hear, feel, and connect with.
Learning Objectives: in this class, students will learn about
- The art of the peer critique and how to give peer critiques on the progress of student work;
- Opportunities and potential resources on career pathways;
- How to distribute, exhibit, and promote artwork for a variety of audiences.
- How to write and record an original song from scratch using basic songwriting, melody, rhythm, and studio recording techniques.
- How to use basic studio equipment, microphones, headphones, audio interfaces, and a digital audio workstation safely and creatively.
- How mixing and mastering help turn a raw recording into a more polished final song.
Equipment
- iMac Studio computer
- SSL audio interface
- Lauten Audio FC-387 Atlantis studio microphone
- Heavy-duty microphone stand
- Pop filter
- Studio headphones
- Yamaha HS8 studio monitors or speakers
- Akai 61-key MPC keyboard/controller
- Instrument cables and microphone cables
- Portable recording gear, if needed
- Whiteboard or screen for instruction
- Optional instruments depending on student interest and available gear
- Professional studio and performance equipment, including select high-quality gear from brands such as Neve, SSL, SPL, Kemper, Gibson, Fender, and others
Software
- FL Studio
- Adobe Audition
- BandLab, Soundtrap, or another student-friendly online DAW if needed
- Audio plug-ins for EQ, compression, reverb, delay, tuning, mixing, and mastering
- Google Drive or another file-sharing platform for saving/exporting work
- Optional lyric-writing or note-taking tools
Deliverables
By the end of the two-day class, students will help create, record, mix, and master an original song or song demo. The final deliverable may include a completed class song, a group recording, individual vocal takes, lyric sheets, project files, and a final exported audio file that can be shared, presented, or used as part of the student’s creative portfolio.
