Music Production

Music Production is a project-based course that introduces students to the world of music production and design. Students will learn the ins and outs of a digital audio workstation, the basics of MIDI, the creative process behind music production and much more. Students will create projects involving electronic music, beat making, foley artistry, soundscapes, and much more. This course is designed to prepare students for potential careers in music production, music business/marketing, or the recording industry.

Return to in person instruction notice:

The health and safety of all students is our top priority at the John Swett Unified School District. As we readjust to in person instruction, we are constantly monitoring and updating our norms and procedures to align with the National Association for Music Education guidelines. To continue our pursuit of musical excellence, a variety of techniques and tools—such as physical distancing, bell covers, and air purifiers—will be used to ensure student safety. Thanks to the constant support and care from our school district, our students will be able to imagine, create, and perform works of art during these troubling times.

Student Work Samples

Class Objectives

  • Provide an environment for artistic development, as an individual and as an ensemble.

  • Provide opportunities to learn about music and performance; its development, construction and expression.

  • Increase awareness of how music is unique in its expressive and communicative nature, particularly non-verbal aspects. Our case studies are the works we perform.

  • Provide a place of belonging, a sense of unity, and a source of fellowship for students.

  • Engage artistic culture at the highest levels of complexity and competence. The ensemble contributes to the campus and general communities through artistic expression.

  • Develop and refine musicianship skills, i.e. dexterity, endurance, musicality, and other aural abilities.

  • Develop self-motivated and independent musicians.

  • Collaborate with peers to create works that are larger than an individual.

  • Compose and produce works of music in a variety of styles and means.

Grade Breakdown

Daily Participation Grade – 15%

  • Obeying classroom/Zoom rules and etiquette, explained below.

  • Participation in independent work, group work, etc.

  • Close nonessential applications during our meetings.

    • Save your GPU and RAM for the applications we will use in class.

  • Ask questions! Let me help you.


Assignments – 20%

  • Can be assigned in the form of surveys, vocabulary, notation, history, short writings, and many other facets.

  • Most assignments will be due at the end of class or the beginning or the next class session.


Tests — 15%

  • Can be assigned in the form of vocabulary, musical notation, short writings, creation of a small project, etc.

  • Can be retaken at the teacher’s approval.

  • CANNOT be retaken if the student cheats.


Projects – 40%

  • Large scale works that show multiple days or weeks of effort.

  • Can be given in the form of presentations, composition, production, writing, etc.

  • Projects are meant to be the final part of a section before we move into a new topic.

    • While deadlines are deadlines; if something happens in which you need more time (internet problems, computer crashes, family emergency, etc., please contact me and we can work something out).


Final Portfolio — 10%

  • Throughout the semester you will create, edit, and polish a final portfolio of all your creations via a Google site.

  • While you are required to include specific material in your portfolio, you are allowed to format and make it aesthetically pleasing to your heart’s content.

  • A guide and grading rubric for what is needed in your portfolio will be provided soon.