This graphic shows how the skills needed to produce high standard are progressively developed from step one through to progression step five. Use this when planning activities to ensure that progression in skills and the appropriate level of challenge are central to any task.

🖨️

🎚️ Music Production

Music production is a skill that combines technology and composition. It allows pupils to record and create music without necessarily having to play instruments. Recordings can be synthesized using various software instruments or midi controllers. Music production skills range from simple audio recordings to more complex productions that could be released by artists. Learners will develop transferable skills such as editing, layering, sharing, collaboration and ownership. Learners may wish to follow careers in music production or music technology; sound technician, music artist, studio engineer, media producer etc.

⭐ DON'T GET CAUGHT!

Consider the copyright of music when overlaying a track on any production.

⭐ SOFTWARE!

Make sure that the software programs/ apps that you use, are age appropriate and have intuitive interfaces.

⭐ COLLABORATION!

Encourage collaboration and peer feedback. You can even link devices up to create group performances in your class!

⭐ SHOWCASE!

Provide opportunities for learners to showcase their work.

⭐ MIX IT UP!

Encourage the production of various genres: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Jingles etc.

Suggestions 🔎

GarageBand

Logic Pro (Mac)

Chrome Music Lab

Voice Recorder

Audacity

Sonic Pi

Micro:Bit

Sibelius

Here are some applications and software that you can use to develop music production skills. These are a small selection - there are MANY more available. It is essential that you select the applications and software that is suitably matched to the learner's stage and that each learner experiences a range of these applications as they apply and develop their digital skills.

PS1 - Simple audio recordings

What does good look like?

Pupils can use a device to record audio clips with growing independence. A pupil could record him/herself using different physical instruments by playing and recording them within an app. Learners should explore creating different sounds with objects that they could find in the classroom. Keep it simple with easy to follow lyrics and repetitive patterns.

How about...

Experiment with a range of sounds using Chrome Music Lab.

Record sounds within the environment or your voice using sound buttons/microphones.

Experiment and explore the smart instruments using Garageband.

Use Chatterpix to capture voice/singing.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Recording

Record sounds with a device - use natural sounds around you or easy to use instruments such as tambourines, shakers and drums.

Sounds

Find objects that create long sounds and short sounds. They could even use their own body parts to create sounds.

Experiment

Experiment with different sounds/instruments on a device using software such as GarageBand/J2E.

PS2 - Creating simple music

What does good look like?

Pupils can begin to use digital applications (GarageBand or Chrome Music Lab) to record sound clips, instruments and pieces of music.

How about...

Record a simple body percussion rhythm/song.

Create a soundscape for a story using natural sounds within the classroom.

Record and create sound effects to layer over your song/story.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Loops

Learners begin to experiment with pre-made loops in GarageBand. Begin layering these together to create a basic track.

Experiment

Experiment with basic software features e.g. in Chrome Music Lab, features such as; Rhythm, Melody Maker and Sound Waves.

Storing

Begin to save and place file in a specific location on the device.

Songs

Begin to create simple melodies and chord progressions using the range of virtual instruments available in GarageBand.

Collaborate

Collaborate with peers to create simple rhythms and pieces of music together.

PS3 - Producing music

What does good look like?

Pupils are able to effectively plan the layout of their music, considering the types of instruments they are using and the different sounds they can create for a purpose. Pupils can use basic editing skills to combine various tracks after recording the content. After evaluating their production and content, pupils are able to improve the standard of their work by re-recording certain sections.

How about...

Poetry - Create a piece of music for a poem they have written, considering the tone of the poem.

Dance - Create an exciting piece of music for dance sessions in PE.

YouTube videos - Create a soundtrack that could introduce their YouTube video/tutorial.

Film - Watch a film clip and create a soundtrack to accompany the scene.

Microbit - Use Microbit(v2) to create simple musical tracks.

Build a musical circuit using MakeyMakey. (Build your own keyboard using bananas / foil.)

Code music using SonicPi.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Planning

Plan the content of their music with due attention to the tone, style, length and instrument choice.

Editing

Use basic editing skills to trim clips and combine multiple tracks.

Sections, phases and layers

Consider adding multiple phases, sections and/or layers to their productions.

Problem solving

Problem solve how to create a certain sound or how to fit different parts of the composition together.

Evaluating

Evaluate the standard of production and content and improve appropriate stages of the recording if necessary.

PS4 - Increasingly sophisticated productions

What does good look like?

Pupils can effectively use a graphic score / follow a simple musical instruction or outline the music production project that includes ideas for the structure, tempo, melody, harmony and instrumentation of the music. Learners should use a variety of sounds, instruments, and effects to create a unique cohesive piece of music. They should include effective use of loops, samples, and digital editing to build composition whilst considering the thoughtful layering of sounds and instruments to create a sense of depth and richness to the music. Learners should incorporate different techniques to create interest and variety in the music such as, changes in tempo, key or instrumentation.

How about...

Begin to create music for school websites, radio stations and vodcasts/podcasts

Create a jingle for a podcast/vodcast/video

Produce music in a certain/style or genre

Consider music in historic periods and produce accompanying pieces.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Music theory

Demonstrate good understanding of the application of music theory, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and timbre. Learners will develop a strong foundation in music theory as they create and manipulate sounds in GarageBand.

Production

Effective use of technical skill when recording, editing, and mixing music. Learners will develop technical skills as they experiment with different features and functions of the software.

Creative problem-solving

Creating digital music involves a lot of trial and error as learners experiment with different sounds, melodies, and arrangements. Learners will develop creative problem-solving skills as they work to achieve their desired musical outcomes.

Collaboration

Collaborating with others on music production projects can help learners develop important teamwork and communication skills. They will learn to give and receive feedback, negotiate ideas, and work together to achieve a common goal.

PS5 - Advanced music production

What does good look like?

Learners should select and gather resources and materials needed for the project, such as sound samples, loops, and virtual instruments. Construct a storyboard or sketch of the musical composition to be created. Learners should then create a structured and cohesive musical composition that meets the specific goals and requirements of the project that incorporates a variety of sounds, instruments, and effects to create a rich and dynamic musical landscape. Learners should also use advanced mixing and mastering techniques to balance and refine the final product, ensuring that the musical composition is original, creative, and of high quality.

How about...

Create music compositions for exam pieces

Continue developing music for podcasts/vodcasts.

⭐ Skills ⭐

Advanced production

Produce music using industry standard hardware and software, demonstrating good use of advanced software features.

Editing

Use advanced editing skills to layer background music, jingles and to improve the quality of their audio where appropriate.

Create jingles

Create / compose jingles or find open-source / copyright free audio clips that they could use.

Evaluate and improve

Evaluate the quality of production and content through wider audiences within and outside of the school.