Class Description
Take your digital musicianship further with an advanced, project-based exploration of modern music production. Build on your Rocksmith and Paradiddle VR skills through targeted technique challenges and performance tracking, then dive into creating original music in Reaper DAW. Students will learn pro workflows—multi-tracking, MIDI programming, effects processing, automation, and mixing—to develop a polished track from start to finish. Collaboration, co-writing, and group feedback help refine each musician’s sound. This class is designed for students ready for deeper creativity, advanced tools, and a more immersive music-making experience.
Learning Objectives: in this class:
- Students will perform and record music on multiple instruments using interactive practice tools and a digital audio workstation to develop technical accuracy and musical fluency;
- Students will demonstrate mastery of cover songs by learning, performing, and recording complete arrangements using modern music production work flows;
- Students will understand basic composition and music theory involved in writing a song, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and song structure;
- Students will create original musical content, including riffs and full group compositions, through collaborative songwriting, recording, and production processes;
- Students will apply foundational music production techniques—such as multi-tracking, MIDI programming, effects processing, and basic mixing—to produce a polished final track and visual presentation;
- Students will learn about the art of the peer critique and give peer critiques on the progress of student work;
- Students will explore opportunities and potential resources on career pathways;
- Students will learn about how to distribute, exhibit, and promote artwork for a variety of audiences.
Equipment
- iPads
- iMacs
- PCs
- Fast Track C400
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
- Shure Mics
- Insta360 camera
- Soundbrenner metronome watch
- MIDI keyboards
- eDrums
- Guitars
- Basses
- Piano
Software
- Adobe Premiere
- Davinci Resolve
- GarageBand
- Insta360 Video Editor
- Musicfy
- Paradiddle
- Reaper
- Rocksmith
- SUNO AI
- Pixelcade
- Udio AI
- Hooktheory (
Deliverables: Students and Class Projects
- Students will demonstrate mastery of at least one complete cover song using Rocksmith, Paradiddle VR, and Reaper DAW, and record it.
- Students will create, perform, and record original riffs or musical ideas on one or more instruments, rotating roles between performer and producer.
- Students will collaboratively write and record an original group song using multi-track recording in Reaper DAW.
- Students will create a music video or visual performance piece showcasing either a cover song or the original group composition.
