Class Description
Step into the exciting world of digital music production using REAPER, a powerful and accessible Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) used by professionals and indie creators alike. This hands-on course covers the fundamentals of music theory, MIDI, and cutting-edge music technology while teaching you how to create, record, edit, and mix music with industry-standard tools. Whether you’re interested in producing beats, recording a band, creating film scores, launching a podcast, or exploring electronic music, this course provides the essential skills to bring your creative ideas to life. Learn how to layer tracks, add effects, manipulate sounds, and craft a polished final mix from scratch. No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity, curiosity, and passion for sound!
Learning Objectives: in this class, students will…
- Understand fundamental music production concepts, including digital audio, MIDI, and basic music theory as they apply to composition and arrangement.
- Navigate and operate GarageBand and REAPER as a Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), including setting up tracks, importing audio, integrating video, and using basic recording functions.
- Create and manipulate MIDI tracks, using virtual instruments, drum machines, and synthesizers to build melodies, harmonies, and beats.
- Mix tracks effectively by adjusting volume, panning, equalization (EQ), and dynamics processing (compression, reverb, and delay) to create a balanced sound.
- Develop an ear for critical listening to create a cover of a favorite song and then while refining their own original work.
- Practice the art of the peer critique and give peer critiques on the progress of student work;
- Explore opportunities and potential resources on career pathways;
- Learn how to distribute, exhibit, and promote artwork for a variety of audiences.
Equipment
- iPads
- iMacs
- PC
- Fast Track C400
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
- Shure Mics
- Insta 360 camera
Software
- Adobe Premiere
- Davinci Resolve
- GarageBand
- Insta360 Video Editor
- Musicfy
- Paradiddle
- Reaper
- Rocksmith
- SUNO AI
- Udio AI
Deliverables: Students and Class Projects
- Group Cover Song & Music Video – Students will work in groups to record and produce a cover song, developing basic composition skills. They will also practice filming and editing a music video to accompany their performance.
- Weekly Instrument Riff Recordings – Each week, students will record a short instrumental riff on their chosen instrument. This exercise encourages creative exploration and helps develop an efficient workflow for composing original music.
- Individual Cover Song Project – Students will independently record and produce a cover song using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Through this project, they will analyze common four-chord song structures, gaining a deeper understanding of music theory and arrangement.
- Final Original Composition – As their final project, students will write, record, edit, and mix an original piece of music or audio content. This project will showcase their ability to apply everything they’ve learned, resulting in a fully produced, polished track.
